Jos Buttler has been sidelined from England’s crucial ODI series finale against Sri Lanka at The Oval this Sunday, after sustaining a hamstring injury. Jordan Cox is set to replace Buttler as wicketkeeper, while Dan Lawrence joins the squad as a substitute.
The injury occurred during the second ODI at Headingley when Buttler, while running between the wickets, pulled up with a left hamstring strain. England’s physio Steve Haw, a former rugby specialist, provided immediate support. Buttler managed to return briefly but eventually retired hurt after scoring 69—his best ODI score in three years—before England fell to a 16-run defeat.
At 36, Buttler’s recent years have been marred by various soft-tissue injuries, predominantly affecting his calves. A similar hamstring issue also troubled him during the 2024 IPL season. England await more details on the injury, with an MRI scan scheduled for early next week.
With Buttler’s unavailability, Cox is poised to earn his fourth ODI cap on Sunday, taking precedence over Tom Banton. England’s white-ball mentor, Kevin Pietersen, sees such chances arising from injuries as vital for building squad depth ahead of the World Cup next year. Pietersen remarked on the significance of having players ready to step up, stating, “We need to have certain players in certain positions… somebody can step up into Jos’s boots – like we’re going to need to have on Sunday.”
Dan Lawrence, who recently excelled with Surrey and has been in fine form, hitting a century on the opening day in Taunton, is also stepping up. He marks his return to the ODI squad after his last call-up in 2021, although his recent experience in List A matches remains limited.
Both Cox and Lawrence will be key figures in England’s preparations for the upcoming match at The Oval, reflecting a strategic adjustment in response to Buttler’s absence.
