England’s white-ball cricket captain, Jos Buttler, has been ruled out of the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia after suffering a calf injury. This injury means Buttler will not be available for the crucial series against their long-time rivals, creating a significant void in the England team.
Harry Brook to Lead in Buttler’s Absence
In Buttler’s absence, Harry Brook will take over as the captain. Brook, a promising talent from Yorkshire, has been selected to lead the team for the series. His recent form and versatility have earned him the trust of the management. Additionally, Lancashire all-rounder Liam Livingstone has been brought into the squad to replace Buttler.
Other Injuries Impacting the Squad
England is not only dealing with Buttler’s injury but also the loss of Leicestershire’s Josh Hull, who is sidelined due to a quad injury. With key players missing, England will face a challenging series against Australia.
Team’s Recent Form and Coaching Changes
England’s recent form in white-ball cricket has been inconsistent. Despite winning the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup, the team has experienced a slump in performance. However, the arrival of Brendon McCullum as the new limited-overs head coach in January promises to refresh the team and bring new energy.
McCullum has expressed confidence in Buttler’s leadership, noting that Buttler’s legacy as one of England’s greatest white-ball cricketers is already secure. He is optimistic that Buttler will recover soon and continue leading the team with enthusiasm in future tournaments.
England Squad for the Series
The squad for the series includes several key players:
- Harry Brook (Captain)
- Jofra Archer
- Liam Livingstone
- Adil Rashid
- Phil Salt, and others.
England Squad for the Series
The ODI series against Australia is set to begin on September 19, with five matches scheduled across various venues:
- 1st ODI: September 19, Trent Bridge, Nottingham
- 2nd ODI: September 21, Headingley, Leeds
- 3rd ODI: September 24, Riverside, Durham
- 4th ODI: September 27, Lord’s, London
- 5th ODI: September 29, Bristol