Jos Buttler ruled out of Pakistan tri-series with hamstring

Jos Buttler has been ruled out of England's upcoming 50-over tri-series in Pakistan due to a hamstring injury. The 36-year-old wicketkeeper-batter sustained the problem while batting in the second ODI against Sri Lanka at Headingley last week, and his absence creates an immediate opportunity for Jordan Cox.

He had hit five sixes before pulling up sharply while running back for a second run, immediately grabbing the back of his left leg. He received treatment on the field and retired hurt, though he later returned to bat in discomfort. The injury forced him to miss the series decider at The Oval on Sunday, which England won by a massive 223 runs to clinch the series 2-1.

England's limited-overs coach, Brendon McCullum, confirmed the news on Monday, 28 September. "Jos won't be in Pakistan," McCullum told reporters. He praised Buttler's professionalism but admitted a firm return date is unclear. "We know he's an incredible athlete, supremely fit and an ultra-professional, so he'll do everything he can to get back as soon as possible. But it's hard to judge how long that will be." The tri-series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka begins on 20 October, with England then touring Australia for white-ball matches in November.

Jordan Cox, who scored 76 from 52 balls on his ODI return at The Oval, is set to step into the breach as wicketkeeper-batter for the Pakistan tour. Cox acknowledged the scale of the task, calling Buttler "probably the best ever white-ball cricketer we've produced." McCullum framed the situation as a necessary test of England's depth ahead of next year's 50-over World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. He suggested teams must "catastrophise" potential selection issues to be fully prepared.

The injury news coincides with England preparing to announce a new batch of central contracts. While Buttler's core position is secure, his injury shows the physical demands on senior players. The list is expected to include a first deal for Durham opener Emilio Gay after his debut Test summer. Contracts held by the retired Ben Stokes and Mark Wood will lapse, while one-year deals for several other players are due to expire. The final squads for the upcoming tours will be confirmed on Monday, 30 September.

• KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Jos Buttler is out of England's ODI tri-series in Pakistan starting 20 October.
• He injured his hamstring while batting on 67 in the 2nd ODI vs Sri Lanka on 24 September.
• Replacement Jordan Cox scored 76 in the series-deciding win at The Oval on 28 September.
• Coach Brendon McCullum says the situation is a chance to test squad depth before the 2026 World Cup.

Buttler's setback is a blow for an England side that has won six limited-overs series this year. However, it provides a clear window for the next generation to state their case on a major tour. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.