England faces a significant setback ahead of the second T20I in their four-match series against Pakistan at home.
Jos Buttler to miss a few games of ENG vs PAK T20I series
England’s white-ball captain, Jos Buttler, is set to miss a few games in the ongoing bilateral series ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.
According to inews.co.uk, Buttler may leave at any moment as he and his wife, Louise, are expecting their third child in the next few days.
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Buttler, who recently returned from India, had an average IPL 2024 season, scoring 359 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 140.78.
Moeen Ali opens up on leading England in Jos Buttler’s absence
Vice-captain Moeen Ali is poised to take the reins in Buttler’s absence.
“I’ve captained quite a few games when I’ve been vice-captain and taken over when Jos hasn’t played. I’m pretty comfortable with it. Nothing will change too much. It’s just about continuing from where he left off. We’re on the same page. Hopefully, the baby comes at the right time, and Jos doesn’t miss too many games,” said Ali, as quoted by The Daily Mail.
The veteran all-rounder has previously led England in 12 T20Is, winning five of those matches.
Also READ: Former England cricketer Dominic Cork predicts the semifinalists, finalists and winner of T20 World Cup 2024
The first T20I between England and Pakistan was abandoned due to persistent rain at Headingley, Leeds, on Wednesday (May 22). The English team is yet to play a T20I in 2024. However, England’s players have been actively involved in competitive cricket, particularly in IPL 2024, where Will Jacks, Phil Salt and Sam Curran performed exceptionally well.
