World · Sri Lanka Bureau
Buttler sidelined for England's third ODI against Sri Lanka
England's Jos Buttler has been ruled out of the third one-day international against Sri Lanka due to injury. Surrey batsman Dan Lawrence has been called up to replace him in the squad.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
England will be without their captain Jos Buttler for the third ODI of their series against Sri Lanka, with the wicketkeeper-batter unable to overcome an injury sustained during the tour.
Buttler's absence marks a significant blow to England's middle-order batting as the team prepares for the penultimate match of the three-match series. The 34-year-old has been a cornerstone of England's white-ball setup in recent years, and his removal from the squad leaves a gap in both leadership and experience.
In response to Buttler's unavailability, England have moved swiftly to bring Surrey's Dan Lawrence into the squad. Lawrence, an accomplished batsman with domestic and international experience, provides the team with an alternative middle-order option as they look to maintain their momentum in the series.
The decision underscores England's cautious approach to player management during international tours, prioritizing recovery and long-term fitness over short-term availability. Lawrence's inclusion will give the Surrey player an opportunity to stake his claim in England's ODI plans as the team navigates injuries during their South Asian tour.