England national cricket team captain Jos Buttler has been ruled out of the upcoming edition of The Hundred. The wicketkeeper-batsman, who plays for Manchester Originals in the league, will miss the entire tournament due to a calf injury.
Jos Buttler suffered a calf injury while preparing for the tournament. The injury did not appear serious and the wicketkeeper-batsman was expected to be available for the latter part of the tournament. The scans that were conducted on him were also inconclusive but things did not go in his favour.
Jos Buttler’s injury was much worse than expected as he was deemed unfit to play in the tournament and was ruled out of the Hundred on Saturday (August 3). The wicketkeeper-batsman was last seen in action during the 2024 T20 World Cup and after that, he took a short break ahead of the ongoing tournament. His replacement will be announced soon.
Jos Buttler confirmed the development via his Instagram story. The wicketkeeper-batsman expressed his disappointment and said that he was heartbroken to miss the tournament but wished his team luck for the campaign. He also stated that he will work hard to be 100% fit.
“I’m sorry I won’t be able to take part in the Hundred this year. Best of luck to the Manchester Originals for the rest of the campaign. I’ll be working hard to be 100% fit as soon as possible.” [as soon as possible].”
Jos Buttler has had to deal with several calf injuries throughout his career. The England national cricket team captain suffered a calf strain two years ago that ruled him out of England’s seven T20Is in Pakistan. That also threatened his participation in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
In the absence of Jos Buttler, Manchester Originals have handed over the leadership to opening batsman Phil Salt. But the wicketkeeper-batsman’s absence has not benefited the team. The franchise has struggled to take off in the ongoing tournament as it is yet to open its account, losing three matches.
Phil Salt is also not having a good time in charge of the team. He has managed just 23 runs. The team’s coach, Simon Katich, was interested in bringing in Keaton Jennings, the Lancashire club captain, as a replacement for Jos Buttler, but it was not possible due to confusion over Buttler’s status, and Jennings signed for London Spirit.
Jos Buttler remains the captain of the England national cricket team
Earlier this week, Jos Buttler was retained as captain of the team. Coach Matthew Mott resigned and there was much speculation about the wicketkeeper-batsman’s future as captain of the team. But ECB chief executive Rob Key confirmed that Buttler would continue as captain.
He also mentioned that Marcus Trescothick will take over as head coach on an interim basis during the September series against Australia. It remains to be seen who will take over as head coach of the England National Cricket Team with the 2025 Champions Trophy just around the corner.