England has suffered a big setback before the tour of Pakistan. The team’s star wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series due to a hamstring injury. Butler suffered this injury during the ODI match played against Sri Lanka at Headingley last week. Due to injury, he had to leave the field for some time, although later he came out to bat again. Despite this, he did not look completely comfortable and after this he did not even play in England’s 223-run victory against Sri Lanka at the Oval.
England’s limited overs coach Brendon McCullum has confirmed that Butler will not go to Pakistan. However, no specific time has been given yet regarding when he will return. McCullum said; “Jose will not be in Pakistan. We know he is a fantastic athlete, fully fit and a very professional player. He will do everything possible to return as soon as possible, but it is difficult to say how long it will take.”
Butler had recently made a big record
Butler’s injury has come at a time when he had recently achieved a big achievement in international cricket. In the same month, he became the first England batsman to complete 10,000 runs in ODI and T20 international cricket combined. Now in his absence, England will have to find a big option in the tri-series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. England has to play two matches each against Pakistan and Sri Lanka and after that the final can also take place.
Jordan Cox may get a big chance
Butler’s injury may give Jordan Cox another chance to prove himself as a wicketkeeper. Cox returned to England’s ODI team for the first time since 2024 against Sri Lanka at the Oval. Taking advantage of the opportunity, he played a quick inning of 76 runs in just 52 balls and contributed significantly to the team’s victory. In such a situation, in the absence of Butler, all eyes will be on Cox. McCullum said; “It’s disappointing not to have Jose with us, but it will give us a good opportunity to see where our team stands.”