Jos Buttler’s participation in Lancashire’s T20 Blast quarter-final has been ruled out due to a setback in his recovery from a calf injury, raising concerns about his availability for England’s upcoming T20I series against Australia. England are hopeful that Buttler will recover in time to captain the side during Australia’s eight-match white-ball tour, with the first T20I scheduled for September 11.
Buttler has not played since England’s semi-final defeat to India in the T20 World Cup in June and sustained a calf injury in July while preparing for the Hundred tournament, which forced him out of the competition. Despite targeting Lancashire’s quarter-final for his return, Buttler “tweaked” his injury during rehabilitation, as confirmed by Lancashire coach Dale Benkenstein.
As England’s squad prepares to report to the Utilita Bowl for two training days, the team’s medical staff will assess Buttler’s condition to determine his availability. Although England does not have an official vice-captain for white-ball cricket, Sam Curran and Phil Salt are the leading contenders to step in if Buttler cannot play.
England remain cautiously optimistic about Buttler’s recovery but is making contingency plans in case he is not fit. Buttler’s absence would be a significant blow to the team, given his experience and leadership in T20 cricket. With a packed schedule ahead, England will need to balance his long-term fitness with the immediate demands of the series, hoping he can still play a leadership role even if not fully fit to participate in all matches.
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