Jos Buttler to miss third T20I for birth of child

The England white-ball captain has left the squad's camp in Cardiff – ahead of Tuesday's encounter – to be with his wife, Louise

Nick Friend | 27/05/2024 at 14:33

Moeen Ali is set to captain England in the third T20I against Pakistan, with Jos Buttler likely to be absent for the birth of his third child.

The England white-ball captain has left the squad's camp in Cardiff – ahead of Tuesday's encounter – to be with his wife, Louise.

Either Phil Salt or Jonny Bairstow will likely take over behind the stumps in Buttler's absence, while Ben Duckett could come in for Buttler, as the spare batter in the 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup.

"If it happens, then it's a great honour, as it always is," said Moeen, when asked about the prospect of captaining as cover for Buttler.

"I'll be fine. Nothing will change too much, it's just taking over from what he's doing, and then when he comes back, he takes over.

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^{Jos Buttler will miss the third T20I against Pakistan (Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)}

"Hopefully, the baby comes at the right time where he doesn't miss too many games. It's not really difficult. We speak often, me and Jos. We're on the same page."

There had been a possibility of Buttler missing World Cup matches, with the tournament beginning on June 2. The final T20I takes place at the Kia Oval on Thursday before England travel to the Caribbean to defend their crown, beginning against Scotland on June 4.

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