Buttler to miss the Cardiff T20I on paternity leave

England’s white-ball skipper, Jos Buttler, won’t take part in the third T20I against Pakistan on Tuesday (May 28) scheduled to be played in Cardiff. He will spend time with his family on paternity leave for the birth of his third child. 

Buttler top scored for England in the second T20I against Pakistan played at Edgbaston on May 25. He also won the Player of the Match award for his 84 off 51 balls that ushered England to a 23-run win and a 1-0 lead in the series. The England skipper left the squad after the game to be with his wife. It remains to be seen if Buttler will return in time for the fourth and the final T20I at the Oval on Thursday (May 30). 

In Buttler’s absence, Moeen Ali, the designated vice-captain of the squad, is likely to lead the team in Cardiff. Meanwhile, Will Jacks, who batted at three in Birmingham, is expected to open with Phil Salt. 

In addition, Jofra Archer can also be rested for the Tuesday clash after a successful return in Birmingham with figures of 2/28 in four overs. Mark Wood would replace him in the XI to get some game time. 

Meanwhile, the weather forecast for the third T20I indicates heavy showers during the game with 20% to 40% chances of rain in the evening.  

The first match of this four-match series was washed out in Leeds. Hence, another win in Cardiff can give England an unassailable lead in the series. However, this is a preparatory series for the 2024 T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to begin on June 2. England begin their campaign against Scotland on June 4 in Bridgetown. 

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