Lahore: England’s white-ball captain and wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler has been ruled out of next month’s ODI tri-series in Pakistan after suffering a hamstring injury.
The injury has also raised doubts over Buttler’s participation in England’s tour of Australia in November.
Buttler sustained the injury during England’s match against Sri Lanka at Headingley. He briefly returned to batting but was later unable to continue, with the England team management currently assessing the severity of the injury.
In Buttler’s absence, Jordan Cox is expected to take on wicketkeeping duties and receive an extended opportunity in the middle order.
Cox scored 76 off 52 balls in the decisive ODI against Sri Lanka, registering his maiden half-century in the format.
England head coach Brendon McCullum said injuries to key players can also provide the team with an opportunity to assess the capabilities of potential replacements ahead of the World Cup.
He stressed that the team would need to plan in advance for possible challenges and ensure adequate depth in the squad.