Revealed: Why Jos Buttler will miss third T20I against Pakistan

Moeen Ali is likely to lead England against Pakistan in 3rd T20 in the absence of Jos Buttler.

The two finalists of the last edition of the ICC T20 World Cup are currently facing each other in a four-match T20I series. The first game of the series was washed out, while Jos Buttler and his men won the second game on Saturday. England have a 1-0 lead with two matches to be played. The third game is scheduled to take place on May 28 (Tuesday).

This match will be held at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. With a 1-0 lead, England will look to close the series in Cardiff with a win. There are very many chances after the way the hosts outplayed Pakistan in the second game. However, just on the eve of the third game, England suffered a massive blow. They will enter the third game without their captain, Jos Buttler.

ENG vs PAK: English captain Jos Buttler will miss the third T20 due to Paternal duty

The English captain has left the squad ahead of the third game, which will be played on Tuesday. He will miss the game because he and his wife, Louise, are expecting their third child. Notably, Buttler also missed the practice session on Monday in Cardiff. Though it is still not clear whether he will return on time for the fourth game at the Oval, but it is expected that he will join the team while travelling to the Caribbean Islands for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

In his absence, vice-captain Moeen Ali will be the stand-in captain in the coming games. It will be a big place to fill, as Buttler has been in great form, and he was the Player of the Match in the second game at Edgbaston. He scored 84 runs off 51 balls to take his team to a competitive total. His absence will shift Jonny Bairstow to open the innings with Will Jacks.

In an interaction, Moeen said, “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. “Hopefully, the baby comes at the right time where he doesn’t miss too many games.”

Meanwhile, Sam Curran is expected to feature in the playing XI. We might see a few more changes in the team, depending on the conditions. Notably, England are the defending champions, and they are one of the favourites to win the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024. They will play their first game on June 4 against Scotland in Barbados. The ongoing T20I series will conclude on May 30, and the English team will travel to the Caribbean Islands after that.

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