Jos Buttler eyes comeback in T20 Blast quarter-finals: Details
Jos Buttler, England's white-ball cricket captain, is planning a return to professional cricket. He aims to make his comeback during the Vitality T20 Blast quarter-finals, representing his home team Lancashire. This decision comes after he had to withdraw from The Hundred Men's Competition 2024 due to a calf injury. Lancashire is scheduled to compete against Sussex in the quarter-final on September 4 at Hove.
Fitness test to determine Buttler's participation
Buttler's participation in the upcoming match hinges on a fitness test scheduled for Monday. The results of this test will determine his eligibility to play in the crucial clash against Sussex. Dale Benkenstein, head coach of Lancashire, confirmed that Buttler will undergo a fitness clearance test but his inclusion in the team depends on approval from national physios and others involved.
Coach Benkenstein optimistic about Buttler's return
Benkenstein expressed optimism about Buttler's return, stating that things are looking really positive. He mentioned that Jos has been doing a lot of rehab and is eager to play. "We are happy to leave it down to the last day," Benkenstein said. He further added, "He'll do a fitness test on Monday, just before the game and with England physios and everyone giving him the green light, then he'll play."
Lancashire's star-studded lineup for the quarter-finals
If Buttler is cleared to play, Lancashire will boast a star-studded international lineup for the quarter-finals. This includes players like Liam Livingstone, Saqib Mahmood, and Philip Salt. Irish cricketer George Dockrell is also expected to be available as a replacement for Chris Green who will be participating in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Sussex's formidable lineup and Archer's participation
Sussex, Lancashire's quarter-final opponent, also has a strong team with express pacer Jofra Archer set to join Tymal Mills & Co. However, more details on his inclusion are yet to be released. Buttler has not played since the T20 World Cup but was endorsed by managing director Rob Key to continue as England's white-ball captain after Matthew Mott lost his job as head coach.
Buttler's recovery journey and future plans
Following his calf injury during preparations for The Hundred, Buttler has resumed training under England physio Craig de Weymarn in Bristol. He shared his progress on Instagram, expressing frustration over missing The Hundred due to injury. In September, he will work with interim coach Marcus Trescothick during England's T20I and ODI series against Australia.
