England Captain Jos Buttler Ruled Out of Australia T20 Series Due to Injury

England’s captain Jos Buttler has been sidelined from the upcoming three-match Twenty20 series against Australia due to a calf injury, casting doubt on his availability for the subsequent five one-day internationals (ODIs). The 33-year-old has not played since suffering the injury ahead of The Hundred in June.

In Buttler’s absence, Phil Salt will lead England in the T20 series, marking his first stint as captain. Salt, a regular opener in England’s white-ball sides, will also likely take over the wicketkeeping duties, although Jordan Cox is another option behind the stumps.

Harry Brook, who has been in fine form, is expected to fill in for Buttler in the ODI squad if necessary. The T20 series begins this Wednesday in Southampton, followed by the ODI series starting on 19 September.

This series against Australia is England’s first white-ball engagement since their loss in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup earlier this year. Despite the departure of head coach Matthew Mott, Buttler retained his captaincy following a review by England’s managing director, Rob Key.

With Marcus Trescothick serving as England’s interim white-ball coach for this series and the upcoming tour of the West Indies, Test coach Brendon McCullum will take over both the Test and white-ball sides in January under his combined role.

Buttler’s absence also comes after missing Lancashire’s defeat in the T20 Blast quarter-finals and the entirety of The Hundred. Salt, who captained Manchester Originals in Buttler’s absence during The Hundred, leads a T20 squad featuring six uncapped players, including Surrey all-rounder Jamie Overton, called up as cover for Buttler.

With the T20 series looming, Salt, who has 31 T20 and 19 ODI caps, will look to steer a refreshed squad while continuing to solidify his role at the top of the order. Meanwhile, Brook, currently resting ahead of England’s final Test against Sri Lanka, is poised to return for the ODI series as both a key player and potential future captain for the senior side.