England’s limited-overs captain Jos Buttler is uncertain for the upcoming T20I series against Australia starting September 11. The three-match series will kick off at Ageas Bowl, Southampton, with subsequent games in Cardiff and Manchester on September 13 and 15.
Buttler’s potential absence would be a significant blow for England, who have faced recent difficulties in white-ball formats, particularly in ICC tournaments.
Jos Buttler doubtful for T20I series against Australia
Jos Buttler missed The Hundred 2024 season due to a calf injury, which kept him from leading the Manchester Originals. It is believed that he is still recovering and may not participate in the upcoming T20I series against Australia.
The 33-year-old wicketkeeper-batter faces intense scrutiny following England’s poor performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, where they were defeated by India in the semi-finals and failed to defend their title. This has led to doubts about Buttler’s leadership.
Adding to the pressure, England’s ODI performance last year was disappointing, with the team failing to advance to the semi-finals and suffering a loss to Afghanistan. Recently, Matthew Mott resigned as England’s white-ball head coach after the team’s underwhelming results in recent ICC tournaments, leading to speculation that Buttler might also face challenges regarding his white-ball captaincy.
Jos Buttler to continue as England’s white-ball captain
Despite England’s recent poor performances in the ICC tournaments, Rob Key, managing director of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), has confirmed that Jos Buttler will remain as captain for both ODIs and T20Is.
Jos Buttler is arguably England’s most vital player in white-ball cricket. The skilled wicketkeeper-batter has been pivotal in England’s successes in the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup. He boasts an impressive record in both formats.
In ODIs, Buttler has amassed 5022 runs in 181 matches, with an average of 39.54 and a striking rate of 117.11. In T20Is, he has accumulated 3264 runs in 124 matches, averaging 35.86 and striking at 146.30. Many experts regard him as England’s greatest white-ball player.
Buttler’s exceptional skills as a middle-order batsman and finisher make him a key asset. The 33-year-old is central to England’s strategy for the Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled for February-March next year.
Following the T20I series, England and Australia will compete in a five-match ODI series. The first T20I is set for September 19 in Nottingham, with the subsequent ODIs taking place in Leeds, Chester-le-Street, Lord’s, and Bristol on September 21, 24, 27, and 29, respectively.
