<\/p>\n
Jos Buttler is set to miss England\u2019s third ODI against Sri Lanka after suffering a hamstring injury during the second match in Leeds. Buttler struggled with the injury during England\u2019s chase of 322 and is almost certain to miss the series decider at The Oval on September 27.<\/p>\n
The injury leaves England with another selection concern ahead of the deciding ODI, with Jordan Cox in line to take over the wicketkeeping duties and bat in the middle order, as per Cricinfo.<\/p>\n
Sri Lanka levelled the three-match ODI series with a 16-run victory after posting 321\/6 in their 50 overs. Kusal Mendis was the standout performer, scoring a brilliant 121 from 100 balls, including 14 fours and three sixes.<\/p>\n
Kamindu Mendis provided valuable support with 54, while Pavan Rathnayake added 48 from 39 balls. Janith Liyanage also struck a quick 32 from 26 deliveries as Sri Lanka finished strongly.<\/p>\n
England made a positive start to the chase through Tom Banton and Ben Duckett, who scored 73 and 67 respectively. Buttler then added 69 from 49 balls and was involved in a 50-run partnership with Will Jacks before his hamstring problem changed the momentum of the chase.<\/p>\n
England eventually finished on 305\/9, falling 16 runs short despite a late effort from their lower order.<\/p>\n
Jos Buttler’s injury occurred while he was running back for two during England’s chase. He immediately held the back of his left leg and required treatment before leaving the field two balls later.<\/p>\n
The former England captain eventually returned late in the innings with 27 runs still required from 14 balls, but he was dismissed for 69 at deep midwicket. His absence for the third ODI would add to England’s growing injury concerns, with Jordan Cox expected to keep wicket at The Oval.<\/p>\n
Jos Buttler has experienced a number of soft-tissue injuries since turning 30 and England will now hope his latest hamstring problem does not become a longer-term concern.<\/p>\n
Harry Brook acknowledged that losing a player of Jos Buttler’s ability affected England’s chase, although he did not put the defeat down solely to the captain’s injury. He said:<\/p>\n
\u201c[Losing] a player of Jos’s ability, it’s always going to have an effect on a chase like that, isn’t it? We know what he can do and the power that he possesses to put the pressure back on the bowlers.\u201d<\/p>\n
With the series now level, Harry Brook believes the decider at The Oval will provide England with an important test ahead of bigger challenges.<\/p>\n
\u201cDefinitely, yeah. You want to play in close games, and tight games are always exciting, and we’ve got a great opportunity now to try and win this series. And it’s not just a good opportunity for us now, but it’s a great opportunity for 12 months’ time as well. In pressure situations like we’re going to find ourselves at the Oval, it’s great to see where we’ll be as a team.\u201d<\/p>\n
The third ODI between England and Sri Lanka is set to be played at The Oval on September 27 and the match will give England an opportunity to assess their depth without Jos Buttler.<\/p>\n