England wicket-keeper batsman Jos Buttler has been ruled out of the remaining white-ball games against Sri Lanka following a calf injury. In the first T20I, Buttler suffered a calf tear that has put him out of contention for the rest of the series.
Keeping the 2021 T20 World Cup in mind, he will return home to recover from the injury as he’s their No.1 choice for the wicket-keeper role. Buttler, who is England’s limited overs’ vice-captain, scored a match-winning knock of 68* in the first T20I.
In the aftermath of the match, he complained of ‘tightness and discomfort in his leg, according to the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB). He was sent for an MRI scan on Thursday morning and the result was a calf tear that will keep him out for a while.
Dawid Malan set to replace Jos Buttler
The World’s No.1 T20 batsman, Dawid Malan will replace Jos Buttler in the ODI squad. In the absence of the English vice-captain, experienced crusader Jonny Bairstow is likely to don the gloves. Malan is yet to click in the series against Sri Lanka, having registered scores of 7 and 4 in the first two matches respectively.
Jos Buttler has been ruled out of the final T20I against Sri Lanka and the three-match ODI series which follows with a calf tear.
Dawid Malan has been added to England's 50-over squad in his place.#ENGvSL pic.twitter.com/5x4lMjGew4
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) June 25, 2021
In contention for Buttler’s place in the side is Sam Billings, who has been part of the squad of late but hasn’t made it to the playing XI as much. Having secured the series victory in the T20 format, England will look towards their bench in order to prepare for the T20 World Cup that’s set to start in October.
The final T20 between England and Sri Lanka will be played on 26 June at Ageas Bowl in Southampton.
