Jos Buttler Ruled Out of Final ODI Against Sri Lanka

The England WK-batter Jos Buttler has been ruled out of the upcoming series decider ODIs after suffering a hamstring injury during the second ODI played at Headingley.

The injury occurred in the 38th over of England’s run chase when he pulled up while running between the wickets.

Despite receiving immediate medical attention in the field, the 36-year-old was forced to retire hurt on 67. He hobbled back to the crease in the 48th over where he added two runs, before hauling out.

Buttler’s effort went in vain as Sri Lanka secured a 16-run victory and levelled the three-match series 1-1. Earlier, England secured an 89-run victory in the first test after a brilliant five-wicket haul from Will Jacks.

“Jos Buttler has been ruled out due to the hamstring injury he suffered in the second Metro Bank ODI at Headingley last night [Thursday] and will undergo further assessment.”

The hamstring issue adds to his long history of soft-tissue setbacks for the veteran, who previously missed matches due to leg injury.

In his absence, Jordan Cox is tipped to take over the wicketkeeping duties and earn his fourth ODI cap on Sunday.

Dan Lawrence has been called up to the England squad for the final ODI match to be played at The Oval.

Lawrence has been withdrawn from Surrey’s County Championship fixture against Somerset and is set to train with England at The Oval on Saturday.

England Squad Update

“Surrey batter Dan Lawrence has been called into the England Men’s squad for Sunday’s third Metro Bank ODI against Sri Lanka.

Lawrence struck a century for Surrey on Thursday and recently hit three fifties in England’s Test series win over Pakistan, and is uncapped in ODIs.

He earned an ODI Call-up against Pakistan in 2021 during a Covid-19 outbreak in the English camp, but is yet to make his white-ball debut.

Dan Lawrence has played only 28 List A matches, the last of which came in May 2019.

The series-deciding match will be played on September 27 at The Oval, London.