After injuring his left hamstring while running between wickets during the second ODI at Headingley on September 24, Jos Buttler has been ruled out of England’s third and final ODI against Sri Lanka at The Oval on September 27, 2026. Dan Lawrence has been summoned to the squad as a backup, and Jordan Cox is anticipated to assume the mitts in Jos Buttler absence.

Jos Buttler achieved his highest ODI score in three years, 69, during the Headingley match before pulling up with an injury. He received treatment from England physio Steve Haw, faced two additional deliveries, and briefly returned to the crease before holing out. The three-match series was level at 1-1 prior to Sunday’s decider, as England ultimately suffered a 16-run defeat in that match.

England will have additional information regarding the severity of Jos Buttler injury early next week as a result of an MRI scan. The 36-year-old has a history of soft-tissue issues in recent years, including a similar left hamstring issue during the 2024 IPL season.

What is the reason for the inclusion of Dan Lawrence in the squad?

Lawrence was withdrawn from Surrey’s County Championship match at Somerset on September 24 after scoring his sixth hundred of the season. He has yet to earn an international cap in either white-ball format. He is scheduled to train with the ODI squad at The Oval on Saturday in preparation for the decider.

Lawrence has been in exceptional red-ball form this year and scored three half-centuries in four innings during England’s recent Test series victory over Pakistan. He was previously summoned to the England ODI squad to face Pakistan in 2021 during a Covid isolation period, but he did not participate. His experience in List A is restricted, with his most recent appearance in that format occurring in May 2019 and spanning 28 games.

What are the implications of Jos Buttler absence for England’s wicketkeeping strategy?

The match at The Oval is anticipated to be Cox’s fourth ODI cap, and he is anticipated to take the field behind the wickets. He is the preferred candidate for the goalkeeping position in this match, as opposed to Tom Banton. The team of England captain Harry Brook will be striving to secure the series against a Sri Lankan team that is led by Kusal Mendis.

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Kevin Pietersen, the new white-ball mentor for England, stated that the Three Lions will have the opportunity to enhance their squad depth in preparation for the ODI World Cup next year due to opportunities that arise following player injuries.

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