Jos Buttler has been ruled out of England’s upcoming one-day international series in Pakistan after suffering a hamstring injury.
The wicketkeeper-batter picked up the injury during England’s ODI against Sri Lanka at Headingley last week. Buttler was forced to retire hurt but returned to the crease later in the innings despite appearing to be in discomfort.
He was subsequently left out of England’s 223-run victory over Sri Lanka at The Oval on Sunday. The 36-year-old is now set to miss the tri-series involving England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in October as he continues his recovery.
England limited-overs coach Brendon McCullum confirmed that Buttler will not travel to Pakistan, although he admitted there is no clear timeline for the veteran batter’s
return.
“Jos won’t be in Pakistan,” McCullum said.
“We know he’s an incredible athlete, we know he’s supremely fit and an ultra professional, so he’ll do everything he can to get back as soon as possible but it’s hard to judge how long that will be.
“It’s disappointing not to have Jos but it will be good for us to see where we’re at.”
Buttler’s absence comes shortly after he reached a major milestone in his international career. Earlier this month, he became the first England batter to score 10,000 runs in international white-ball cricket, combining his performances in ODIs and T20 internationals.
England are scheduled to play Pakistan twice and Sri Lanka twice in the tri-series before the possibility of a final.
The injury is expected to hand Jordan Cox another opportunity behind the stumps. Cox made his return to England’s ODI side for the first time since 2024 in the match against Sri Lanka at The Oval and made an immediate impact.
The wicketkeeper-batter scored 76 off 52 deliveries in England’s comfortable victory, strengthening his case for a regular role in the side during Buttler’s absence.
(With AFP Inputs)
