Jos Buttler doubtful for Australia T20Is following injury setback
Jos Buttler, the captain of England's white-ball teams, is facing uncertainty over his participation in the upcoming T20I series against Australia. This follows a setback in his recovery from a calf injury that has already ruled him out of Lancashire's T20 Blast quarter-final. The first match of the series is scheduled for September 11, leaving little time for Buttler to regain full fitness.
England remains hopeful of Buttler's recovery
Despite the setback, the England cricket team is not overly concerned about Buttler's fitness for the upcoming series. They remain hopeful that he will be available to lead the side throughout Australia's eight-match white-ball tour. The squad is due to report to the Utilita Bowl on Sunday for two training days, during which medical staff will assess whether Buttler can play.
Potential replacements and role adjustments
In the event that Buttler is unable to play, Sam Curran and Phil Salt are being considered as potential stand-ins. It is also anticipated that Buttler will not keep wicket during the T20I series, a move aimed at increasing his chances of participation despite his injury setback. This strategy suggests a flexible approach to team roles in response to player availability.
Buttler's injury history and impact on Lancashire
Buttler has been out of action since England's semi-final defeat to India at the T20 World Cup in June. He sustained his calf injury in July while preparing for The Hundred, which led to his withdrawal from that tournament. His coach Dale Benkenstein confirmed to BBC Radio Lancashire that Buttler had "sort of tweaked it again," ruling him out not only for their T20s but also potentially for the international ones.
