BAD NEWS for England: Jos Buttler RULED OUT final ENG vs SL ODI
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Jos Buttler scored 69 off 49 balls in the second ENG vs SL ODI at Headingley in Leeds.
The three-match ODI series between England and Sri Lanka is underway and has come to an interesting stage. England won the T20I series and followed it up with a comprehensive win in the first ODI in Durham.
But they failed to carry on the momentum in the second ODI in Leeds. After four poor outings with the bat, Sri Lanka finally found some form with the bat. Captain Kusal Mendis led the team from the front and struck an 82-ball ton.
His century helped Sri Lanka post a mammoth total of 321/6, which ended up as the winning score. England fought hard and finished with 305/9, losing the game by 16 runs. Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, and Jos Buttler struck half-centuries for the hosts.
Buttler was the last man to get out, after scoring 69 off 49 balls with five fours and five sixes. The 36-year-old suffered a hamstring injury, which forced him to get off the field during his batting innings.
Jos Buttler ruled out of final ENG vs SL ODI on Sunday; replacement named
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
England have suffered a massive blow as Jos Buttler has been ruled out of the series’ decider on Sunday. The series is levelled at 1-1, and the final game will be played at Kennington Oval on September 27.
Buttler, who struggled in the second ODI due to a hamstring injury, will miss the final game. He has been replaced with Dan Lawrence in the squad. He will join the team on Saturday. Lawrence was on roster for Surrey for the game against Somerset in the ongoing County Championship.
But he has withdrawn after being called up to join the English side. Buttler’s absence will be a massive blow for the hosts, as he was in excellent form. In five outings against Sri Lanka on this tour, he has registered the scores of 80, 30, 62*, 31, and 69, respectively.
Buttler has been consistent for England in the middle order, and his unavailability will break England’s combination. The middle order struggled to chase in the second game. They only hit one six and one four in the last 14 overs in the second game.
Sri Lanka must have gained confidence after their performance in the second ODI. They will be aiming for the long-awaited series win on the English soil. It will be their first bilateral ODI series win in England since 2014.
When will the third ENG vs SL ODI take place?
The final ODI will be played on September 27 (Sunday).
Where will the third ENG vs SL ODI take place?
The final ODI will be played at Kennington Oval in London.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.