Jos Buttler, England’s white-ball captain, has been ruled out of the Hundred tournament due to a calf injury. The injury occurred during preparations for the competition, and an initial scan proved inconclusive. However, a subsequent assessment confirmed the severity of the injury, forcing Buttler to withdraw from the tournament.
Buttler’s absence is a significant blow to Manchester Originals, who have lost their first three matches in his absence. Phil Salt, Buttler’s opening partner, has captained the team in his stead but has struggled for runs, scoring only 23 in three innings. The Originals’ batting lineup has looked vulnerable without Buttler’s presence.
Buttler’s injury history includes several calf injuries, including a strain two years ago that ruled him out of England’s T20I series in Pakistan. The injury also threatened his participation in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Despite the setback, Buttler is expected to be fit in time for England’s first T20I against Australia on September 11. Managing director Rob Key has confirmed that Buttler will continue as England’s white-ball captain, with Marcus Trescothick serving as interim coach during the series.
The Originals are yet to announce a replacement for Buttler, but they had initially lined up Keaton Jennings as a potential candidate. However, the move stalled due to confusion over Buttler’s status, and Jennings has since signed for London Spirit.
Buttler’s injury is a reminder of the physical demands of modern cricket, particularly in the shorter formats. Calf injuries are common among fast bowlers and all-rounders, but they can also affect batsmen who rely on quick acceleration and agility.
