English captain Jos Buttler will miss the third T20 against Pakistan, to be with his wife Louise, for the birth of his third child. He left the England squad in Cardiff after taking England to a 23-run win at Edgbaston. Therefore, securing a 1-0 lead in the four-games after the first game in Leeds was rained out.
Buttler would miss some T20 World Cup games, which starts on June 2.
English Cricket said in a statement,
“Jos Buttler will not be able to play in our third IT20 match against Pakistan because his wife Louise is about to give birth to their third child.”
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With Buttler out, Moeen Ali, an all-rounder, will lead England. Batsman Ben Duckett is expected to fill in for Buttler.
Moeen Ali expressed “obviously if it happens, then it’s a great honour – as it always is,” he said. “I’ll be okay. The only thing that will change is what he does, and when he comes back, it will be his turn again.
England squad is leaving on Friday for the T20 World Cup in the US and the West Indies. Players from Australia, Scotland, Oman, and Namibia are in Group B with them.
Wicketkeeper Choices
Ben Duckett will bat at No.4. It will be either Phil Salt or Jonny Bairstow who fills in as wicketkeeper. Moreover, with Butler missing,Will Jacks and Jonny Bairstow are expected to move up one spot each. They could also add Sam Curran, a bowling all-rounder.
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Impact on England’s T20 World Cup Campaign
Buttler’s absence is bad news is for England right now, as their fixtures of the cup starts next Tuesday (June 4) in Barbados against Scotland.
He missed the training session in Cardiff on Monday afternoon. Also, he is not expected to play in the game on Tuesday night. That being said, Buttler might be able to play in the last game of the series on Thursday at The Oval, but the team did not say for sure.
He had already said that he would be at the birth no matter what.
Weather concerns for the Third T20I
Mark Wood had a long bowl before Saturday’s game with his knee heavily strapped. He could play in Cardiff if England decide to be cautious with Jofra Archer’s health after his return to international duty.
England really wanted to play Tom Hartley in his first T20I before the World Cup. However , as quoted by ESPNcricinfo he won’t be playing in this match.
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As it stands, Tuesday night’s game is in danger because of the weather. However, Jacks said that playing a shorter game might be good practice for the World Cup.
“Preparation is not always ideal, but we have to be adaptable and T20 is all about thinking fast on your feet, and assessing the situation as quickly as possible,” said the coach. “We’ll be ready for anything.”
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