Buttler Ruled Out of England’s Pakistan Tour with Hamstring Injury

England batter Jos Buttler has been ruled out of the team’s upcoming white-ball tour of Pakistan after suffering a hamstring injury during the second ODI against Sri Lanka.

Buttler sustained the injury while running between the wickets at Headingley last Thursday, forcing him to retire hurt during England’s chase of Sri Lanka’s 322-run target.

The 36-year-old later returned to the crease but was visibly restricted by the injury and was dismissed for 69 as Sri Lanka secured a 16-run victory to level the three-match series.

Buttler subsequently missed Sunday’s series decider at The Oval, which England won by 223 runs, and has now been ruled out of next month’s 50-over tri-series in Pakistan involving England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

England limited-overs coach Brendon McCullum confirmed that Buttler would not travel to Pakistan, while saying the former captain would work towards returning as soon as possible.

“Jos won’t be in Pakistan,” McCullum said, adding that it was difficult to determine how long the injury would keep Buttler out.

The injury is a setback for England as they begin preparations for the 2027 50-over World Cup, with Buttler having been a key figure in the team’s white-ball setup.

Jordan Cox is expected to receive an extended opportunity as wicketkeeper-batter after replacing Buttler for the final ODI against Sri Lanka. Dan Lawrence was also called into the squad as cover for the series decider.

Cox returned to the ODI side for the first time in almost two years and scored 76 in the series decider, earning praise from McCullum.

Buttler’s availability for England’s subsequent tour of Australia in November is also uncertain, with the extent of his recovery expected to determine whether he can return in time.

England will therefore enter the Pakistan tri-series without one of their most experienced white-ball players as they continue preparations for the next 50-over World Cup.