England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler has been ruled out of the team’s 50-over tri-series in Pakistan next month due to a hamstring injury. He will be replaced by Jordan Cox as the squad prepares for the tournament beginning on 20 October.
Buttler, 36, sustained the injury while batting during the second one-day international against Sri Lanka at Headingley on Thursday. The opener had raced to an unbeaten 67 before the issue occurred and returned after initially retiring hurt, eventually scoring 69 from 49 balls in that match.
England coach Brendon McCullum stated it was difficult to predict the length of Buttler’s absence but praised the player’s professionalism. “We know Jos is an incredible athlete, we know he is supremely fit and is an ultra-professional,” McCullum said. “He will do everything he can to be back as soon as possible.”
Cox is viewed as a strong candidate for the vacancy after an impressive domestic and international summer. When called upon to deputize for Buttler in the third ODI at The Oval on Sunday, Cox top-scored with 76. Earlier in the summer, he scored fifties in all three Tests against Pakistan while batting at number three.
“I thought it was quite a Jos Buttler innings,” McCullum commented regarding Cox’s recent performance. “He has done really well domestically for a number of years and has been unlucky with injuries. For him to have the type of summer he has had and be in the position he is in, he deserves it.”
Alongside squad announcements, which are due to be finalized on Monday, England is preparing to release its latest batch of central contracts. Durham opener Emilio Gay is expected to receive his first central deal following his debut Test summer, making him available for the upcoming tour of South Africa. Other players in contention for contracts include Tom Banton, who recently scored his first international century, and all-rounder Dan Lawrence.
Central contracts held by Ben Stokes and Mark Wood are set to expire following their respective retirements from international cricket. Additionally, one-year deals for Ollie Pope, Zak Crawley, Matthew Potts, and Luke Wood are coming to an end due to a lack of recent selection. Spinner Shoaib Bashir is also in a similar category; although selected for the Test squad against Pakistan, he did not make the playing XI as England opted for a four-man pace attack.
The team faces further decisions regarding bowler Brydon Carse, who has not been selected since his arrest and subsequent de-arrest in Derby in August. While the police investigation concluded without action, Carse remains under scrutiny by the Cricket Regulator. White-ball captain Harry Brook previously stated that the bowler needs time away from the international scene.
McCullum, who served as coach across all three formats at the start of the summer before stepping down from the Test role in July, dismissed any regrets about the change in structure. He expressed confidence in new Test coach Stephen Fleming and noted that the shift allows him to focus more intently on improving the white-ball team as they build toward next year’s World Cup. England will also tour Australia for white-ball matches in November.
McCullum focusing purely on white-ball now is smart. Let Fleming handle Tests while England gears up for the ODI World Cup next year.
Just curious, but does this mean England will play three different keepers across the tournament? Would be an unusual strategy for a tri-series.
Poor Brydon Carse is still in limbo. It’s been months and they still haven’t decided on his international status despite the police clearing him.
Emilio Gay getting a central contract feels well-deserved after that summer. A solid replacement option if things go wrong down the order.
I wonder if the delay in Buttler’s return is linked to his recent workload? Managing his fitness seems like a constant tightrope walk right now.
Did anyone else notice they left out Shoaib Bashir again? Seems odd to drop a quality spinner like him for yet another pace attack.
Ouch, hamstring injuries are tough for wicketkeepers. Hope Buttler recovers quickly because he is absolutely crucial for their World Cup hopes.
Good call by McCullum. Jordan Cox earned this with that brilliant 76 against Sri Lanka. He’s ready for the big stage.