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Jos Buttler leads England T20 shake-up with top-order debut

2026-09-15 · Jos Buttler · Match Report

Jos Buttler leads England T20 shake-up with top-order debut

Jos Buttler will open the batting for England in the first T20 International against Sri Lanka on 15 Sep 2026, a first in his international career.

This move comes as England look to reset their top order ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup defence later this year. Buttler, who has batted at number three or four in recent T20Is, will take the new ball alongside Philip Salt in what the coaching staff describe as an effort to accelerate the powerplay.

Buttler brings extensive experience at the top of the order in franchise cricket, having opened regularly for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.

England captain Jos Buttler confirmed the change in pre-match remarks, stating the team needs 'fresh impetus' at the start of innings. He added that his own role would remain flexible depending on match situations.

Sri Lanka will field an unchanged side for the opener, with Pathum Nissanka and Danushka Gunathilaka set to open the batting. The match gets underway at 14:30 local time at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

  • Jos Buttler opens England's T20 batting for the first time in his career
  • Move aims to improve powerplay output after recent struggles
  • England averaged just 38 runs in first six overs over last five T20Is
  • Match vs Sri Lanka starts at 14:30 local time on 15 Sep 2026 in Pallekele

[Check upcoming fixtures](/fixtures)

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