Jos Buttler begins recovery after hamstring surgery, ruled out of Australia tour

Jos Buttler has started his recovery after undergoing successful surgery on his left hamstring, an injury that will sideline the England captain for a significant period. The 36-year-old suffered the tear while batting against Sri Lanka last month and is now ruled out of England's white-ball tour of Australia in November.

Buttler shared an update from his hospital bed on Instagram, confirming the procedure had gone well. His left leg was in a brace. "Successful surgery and on the road to recovery. Feeling more motivated than ever!" he wrote. The injury occurred on September 24 during the second ODI against Sri Lanka at Headingley. Buttler was on 67, having struck five sixes, when he pulled up while running. He initially left the field but returned briefly before his innings ended, and England went on to lose the match. The problem forced him to miss the series decider at The Oval.

No firm timeline has been set for his return. Buttler has a history of soft-tissue issues since turning 30, which complicates the prognosis. His immediate focus is on rehabilitation, with England's medical staff monitoring his progress.

The surgery has immediate consequences for England's schedule. Buttler will not be available for selection for the tour of Australia, which features three ODIs and five T20Is from November 13 to December 2. Selectors are finalising squads without their premier white-ball batter and captain.

His participation in the SA20 league starting on January 17 is also uncertain. Buttler was slated to play for Durban's Super Giants, but his involvement now depends entirely on his recovery speed. The injury presents a major disruption to his winter plans.

Away from his injury, Buttler recently joined former teammate Stuart Broad in selecting their top 10 Test bowlers of the 21st century. The list, compiled for the 'For the Love of Cricket' YouTube channel, sparked debate for including only one Indian bowler. They ranked legendary Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne first, with 708 wickets. England's James Anderson was second with 704, the most by any pace bowler.

Jasprit Bumrah was their sole Indian pick, placed third despite having fewer wickets than others, a nod to his extraordinary average of 19.80. Notable omissions included Ravichandran Ashwin and Anil Kumble. The full top five, as chosen by Buttler and Broad, is detailed below.

Buttler's extended absence is a blow for an England side in transition. It provides an opportunity for others to stake a claim in the middle order during the Australia tour. The larger picture, however, is the 2027 ODI World Cup. At 36, managing his fitness for that tournament is becoming the central challenge of Buttler's career. This injury setback only increases the urgency of getting his body right for one final major campaign. His public statement suggests a fierce determination to return.

• KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Jos Buttler is recovering from surgery on a left hamstring injured on September 24.
• He is ruled out of England's Australia tour in November and his SA20 season is in doubt.
• Buttler and Stuart Broad ranked Shane Warne and James Anderson as the top two Test bowlers of the century.
• His primary focus is now on rehabilitation ahead of the 2027 World Cup.