Jos Buttler said England must "dust ourselves down" after a damaging 36-run defeat by ruthless Australia in Barbados on Saturday left their T20 World Cup defence in the balance, AFP reported.

Australia raced out of the blocks at the Kensington Oval, posting 201-7 in their 20 overs, and England wickets tumbled after a bright start as they struggled to 165-6.

But Australia top Group B after two wins as they stay on track to become the first nation to hold all three global cricket titles simultaneously -- Test, one-day and T20.

Opener David Warner top-scored for the winners with 39 while spinner Adam Zampa was player of the match after taking 2-28, including the crucial wicket of Buttler for 42.

Buttler won the toss in Bridgetown but watched in horror as Australia's openers Warner and Travis Head savaged his bowlers.

Spinner Will Jacks was smashed for 22 runs in his first over and paceman Mark Wood also conceded 22 runs in his opening over as Australia raced to 55-0 off four overs, relishing a short boundary on one side of the ground.

Moeen Ali made the breakthrough England desperately needed, bowling Warner for 39, and paceman Jofra Archer flattened the stumps of Head (34), leaving Australia 74-2.

But captain Mitchell Marsh (35) and Glenn Maxwell (28) kept the score ticking over and Marcus Stoinis's 30 off 17 balls ensured Australia became the first side to reach the 200-mark during the tournament.

Buttler and Phil Salt ensured England got off to a swift start in their reply, reaching 73-0 at the end of the seventh over.

But Zampa bowled Salt for 37 with his first ball and took the prized wicket of Buttler in his next over for 42.

bd-pratidin/GR