Jos Buttler doubtful for T20I series versus Australia

Ruled out of Lancashire’s quarterfinal in the 2024 T20 Blast, Jos Buttler is now doubtful for England’s T20I series against Australia. 

Buttler, England’s captain, last played competitive cricket in the T20 World Cup where his team was eliminated in the semi-final in June. The wicketkeeper-batsman then skipped the first three games of the Hundred season for Manchester Originals to take a break. However, he was ruled out of the whole season due to a calf injury which he understandably sustained while preparing for his return. 

As reported by ESPNCricinfo, a setback in his recovery ruled him out of the T20 Blast quarterfinal against Sussex on Wednesday (September 4). The three-match T20I series against Australia starts on September 11. 

Meanwhile, the England setup is not concerned about Buttler’s fitness at present. The squad is due to report in Southampton by Sunday, ie two days prior to their training camp. That is when the medical staff will assess Buttler and take a call on his availability for the three T20Is and the subsequent five ODI fixtures versus Australia. 

With no official white-ball captain named, Sam Curran and Phil Salt seem to be the frontrunners to lead England in case Buttler is not available. Reportedly, he is not supposed to keep wickets if he plays these matches (with Salt in the squad) which increases Buttler’s chances of featuring in the series in some capacity.

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