England will be without captain Jos Buttler for their upcoming T20I series against Australia due to a recurring calf injury that has sidelined him throughout the English summer. The series, comprising three matches, is scheduled from September 11 to 15. In Buttler’s absence, Phil Salt has been named as stand-in captain, according to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Additionally, Buttler’s availability for the five-match ODI series against Australia, set to take place between September 19 and 29, remains uncertain. This will be England’s first white-ball cricket since their disappointing semi-final loss to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Despite underwhelming performances in the 2023 and 2024 ODI and T20 World Cups, Buttler retained the backing of selectors and the team’s management.
However, his return has been delayed by the recurrence of his injury, preventing him from participating in any competitive cricket since England’s semi-final exit on June 27.
The ECB said: “Surrey all-rounder Jamie Overton has been called up as a replacement in the T20 squad. The three-match IT20 series is set to begin next week at the Utilita Bowl, Southampton, on 11 September 2024. Additionally, Essex batter Jordan Cox has been added to the ODI squad as cover.”
Buttler is eager to return to the field and reaffirm his position as England’s white-ball leader ahead of Brendon McCullum’s appointment as the new white-ball coach in January. In the meantime, Marcus Trescothick will continue overseeing the team for the Australia series and England’s subsequent tour of the Caribbean in November.
England’s T20I squad: Phil Salt (captain), Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Josh Hull, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Saqib Mahmood, Dan Mousley, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley, and John Turner.
The ODI squad, in which Buttler is still named, consists of Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Josh Hull, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Reece Topley, and John Turner.
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