Buttler Ruled Out of Pakistan Tri-Series with Hamstring Injury

Wicketkeeper Jos Buttler has been ruled out of England's upcoming 50-over tri-series in Pakistan due to a hamstring injury. Jordan Cox is expected to take his place for the series, which begins on October 20.

Buttler sustained the injury while batting in the second one-day international against Sri Lanka at Headingley. Head coach Brendon McCullum stated that it is difficult to determine the exact duration of Buttler's absence but confirmed Cox will fill in for the matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. McCullum expressed confidence in Buttler's commitment to a swift recovery, noting his athleticism and professionalism.

England is also scheduled to tour Australia for white-ball matches in November, with consideration being given to playing warm-up games as part of their preparations for next year's 50-over World Cup. The team is set to finalize its squads on Monday, with a new batch of central contracts also anticipated in the coming days.

Several players are reportedly in line for new central contracts. Durham opener Emilio Gay could receive his first contract following his Test debut summer, potentially positioning him for a winter tour of South Africa. Cox, Tom Banton – who recently scored his first international century – and all-rounder Dan Lawrence are also candidates.

Contracts for players such as former captain Ben Stokes and Mark Wood are expected to conclude following their international retirements. Ollie Pope, Zak Crawley, Matthew Potts, and Luke Wood are currently out of favor, and their one-year deals are nearing expiration. Spinner Shoaib Bashir, who featured in two Tests against New Zealand and was selected for the Test squad against Pakistan without playing, is another player whose contract status is being watched.

Cox impressed during the international summer, scoring half-centuries in all three Tests when batting at number three against Pakistan. He also scored 76 against Sri Lanka while deputizing for Buttler in the third ODI at The Oval. McCullum praised Cox's performance, comparing one of his innings to a typical Buttler innings and highlighting his domestic record and talent.

The selection of bowler Brydon Carse for the Pakistan tour is also pending. Carse has not been selected since an incident in August, and while he remains eligible for selection, white-ball captain Harry Brook recently suggested that Carse needs time away from the international scene. McCullum, who previously coached across all formats before focusing on white-ball cricket, dismissed any regrets about the shift in coaching roles, expressing confidence in Stephen Fleming's ability to lead the Test side.