Jos Buttler is set to miss England’s third T20I against Pakistan on paternity leave.
Buttler travelled home to London after captaining England to a 23-run victory at Edgbaston on Saturday, giving them a 1-0 lead in the four-match series after the opening match at Leeds was washed out. He and his wife Louise are expecting their third child imminently.
He missed Monday afternoon’s training session in Cardiff and is considered unlikely to feature in Tuesday evening’s match. It is not yet clear whether he will return in time to play in the final match of the series, at The Oval on Thursday night, but at this stage it appears that he will travel to the Caribbean for the T20 World Cup with the rest of the squad on Friday.
While the news is disruptive to England in the short term, Buttler’s absence should ensure that he is with the team throughout their World Cup campaign, which begins next Tuesday (June 4) in Barbados against Scotland. He had previously confirmed he would be at the birth regardless, raising the prospect that he could miss a group-stage match.
Moeen Ali is England’s vice-captain, and last week played down the significance of a leadership change. “Obviously if it happens, then it’s a great honour – as it always is,” Moeen said. “I’ll be fine. Nothing will change too much: it’s just taking over from what he’s doing and then when he comes back, he takes over.
“Hopefully, the baby comes at the right time where he doesn’t miss too many games. For me, it’s just whatever will happen, will happen. [Deputising] is not really difficult, to be honest with you, because we speak often, me and Jos. We talk about other things, the team, and all that. We’re on the same page anyway.”
Buttler underpinned England’s innings at Edgbaston on Saturday, hitting 84 off 51 balls while opening the batting. In his absence, the most likely change to their side would see Will Jacks and Jonny Bairstow moving up a spot each and Ben Duckett batting at No. 4, though they could add another bowling allrounder to their side in Sam Curran.
Mark Wood had a long bowl before Saturday’s T20I with his knee heavily strapped, and could come into contention in Cardiff if England opt to take a cautious approach to Jofra Archer’s fitness following his international comeback. In any case, Tuesday night’s match is under threat from the weather.
