Jos Buttler to miss final T20I against Australia

Subject to recording a netative Covid-19 test, he will return to the bio-secure bubble on Thursday ahead of the first ODI of a three-match series at Emirates Old Trafford, which begins on Friday

Jos Buttler will miss the final T20I between England and Australia on Tuesday.

The England wicketkeeper has left the team’s bio-secure bubble to be with his family.

Subject to recording a netative Covid-19 test, he will return on Thursday ahead of the first ODI of a three-match series at Emirates Old Trafford, which begins on Friday.

Buttler’s final contribution of the preceding T20I series, therefore, was his match-winning innings of 77 not out in England’s six-wicket win on Sunday.

In a knock that all but ended the debate over where he is best served in Eoin Morgan’s batting line-up, he finished the game with an enormous six over the sightscreen at the Ageas Bowl.

Jos Buttler leads England to victory after Jofra Archer and Mark Wood unleash... ENGLAND V AUSTRALIA TALKING POINTS

His absence could give an opportunity to Tom Banton at the top of the order. The Somerset youngster impressed in the role during the series against Pakistan in August, but has found it more difficult coming in during the middle overs.

“It probably is my favourite position to bat in T20 cricket,” said Buttler after his innings. “I’ve had most of my success in T20 at the top, but that’s natural – if you bat in the top three in T20, it’s the best place for everyone.”

Jason Roy has not been included in the squad for the T20Is due to a side strain from which England hope he will recover in time for the ODIs. However, Sussex batsman Phil Salt was yesterday called up as cover for that squad.

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