Jos Buttler set to miss England’s third T20 match with Pakistan in Cardiff as he awaits birth of his third child, with Moeen Ali poised to take over as captain
- Buttler headed home after Saturday’s 23-run win over Pakistan at Edgbaston
- He hopes to rejoin the squad ahead of Thursday’s series finale at The Oval
- Moeen will lead England in a white-ball international for the fourteenth time on Tuesday
Jos Buttler will miss the third T20 against Pakistan in Cardiff on Tuesday as he awaits the birth of his third child.
The England white-ball captain headed home after Saturday’s win at Edgbaston with 23 points and will be hoping to rejoin the side in time for the series finale at The Oval on Thursday.
England fly to Barbados on Friday to defend their T20 World Cup title.
Assuming events at home do not move quickly enough to make him available for Tuesday’s match, the captaincy will pass to Moeen Ali, who spoke relaxedly last week about taking the job on a part-time basis.
It will be the fourteenth time that he has led England in a white-ball international.
England white-ball captain Jos Buttler becomes a father for the third time
Buttler has two daughters, Georgia Rose and Margot, with wife Louise
Moeen Ali will take over the captaincy for Tuesday’s third T20 with Pakistan in Cardiff
Buttler’s absence requires a top-class rejig, with Will Jacks – who hit a fluent 37 off 25 balls in Birmingham – in the frame to open the batting with Phil Salt.
Ben Duckett is also in England’s 15-man squad, while Jonny Bairstow has opened 20 of his 65 T20 international innings.