The captain Jos Buttler will be missing the third T20I match in the Pakistan tour of England to be with his wife as the couple except for their third child. According to reports, Buttler has returned to his home in England after the side secured a 23-run win against Pakistan in the second T20I on Saturday.
Jos Buttler missed England’s practice session in Cardiff ahead of the third T20I on Tuesday and it is yet to be revealed that he will be available for the fourth and final T20I match of the tour.
Buttler had an impressive knock of 84 runs which laid a foundation for the side’s victory in the second T20I. England currently leads with 1-0 as the first T20I was abandoned due to result.
Buttler indicated his unavailability in the group-stage matches of the T20 World Cup. Last week, England vice-captain Moeen Ali hinted at a possible change in leadership.
“Obviously if it happens, then it’s a great honor – as it always is. 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,” said Moeen Ali.
“Hopefully, the baby comes at the right time so 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,” he added.
With Butler’s spot in the top order open, Phil Salt will team up with Bairstow, Duckett, or Will Jacks. The latter played in the no.3 spot in the second test against Pakistan scoring 37 runs from 23 balls.
“Me and Phil (Salt) have played a lot of cricket together. We’ve played franchise cricket together which helps when we come to England. We understand each other’s games very well and we’re both that kind of free-flowing, top-order batters everyone has nowadays. We’re just loving playing for England, loving the experiences, and trying to do our best for the team. The 3rd T20I of the series will be played on May 28 at Sophia Gardens.
