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England will be without their captain, Jos Buttler, for the upcoming T20I series against Australia after he was diagnosed with a recurrence of the calf injury that sidelined him throughout the English summer. The setback leaves Buttler unavailable for England’s three T20Is against Australia, scheduled from September 11 to 15, 2024.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the news, announcing that opening batter Phil Salt will stand in as captain for the T20I series. Jos Buttler’s participation in the five-match ODI series between England and Australia, set to take place from September 19 to 29, also remains doubtful.
The recurrence of the injury has further delayed Buttler’s return to competitive cricket since his last appearance in the T20 World Cup semi-final on June 27, 2024, where England suffered a disappointing defeat to India. Despite underwhelming performances in both the 2023 and 2024 ODI and T20 World Cups, Buttler retained the confidence of the selectors and team management to continue as captain.
Jos Buttler Injury: Phil Salt Takes Charge for T20I Series vs Australia
The ECB announced that Surrey all-rounder Jamie Overton has been added to the T20 squad as a replacement. Essex batter Jordan Cox has also joined the ODI squad as backup. The three-match T20I series will start at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton on September 11.
The newly-appointed white-ball coach, Brendon McCullum, will officially take charge in January 2025, while Marcus Trescothick will oversee the upcoming limited-overs series against Australia and England’s tour of the Caribbean in November.
Jos Buttler will be eager to return to action and reaffirm his leadership role in England’s white-ball setup before McCullum assumes his duties.
