Buttler out of Pakistan tri-series as Cox steps in
England will be without Jos Buttler for next month's 50-over tri-series in Pakistan. Jordan Cox will replace the 36-year-old, with the series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka starting on 20 October. BBC Sport
Buttler damaged a hamstring while batting in the second one-day international against Sri Lanka at Headingley. One-day internationals are the 50-overs-a-side game, longer than a T20 but done in a day. The injury also kept him out of Sunday's series decider at The Oval.
England coach Brendon McCullum said it is "hard to judge" how long Buttler will be sidelined. England will finalise their squads on Monday. A white-ball tour of Australia follows in November.
Cox already looks ready for more responsibility. He made fifties in all three Tests when picked to bat at number three against Pakistan. He then scored 76 at The Oval when he stood in for Buttler.
That Oval game also showed his versatility. Cox deputised behind the stumps, taking over from Buttler as wicketkeeper, the gloved fielder who stands behind the stumps and takes balls the batter misses. Tom Banton gave the selectors another nudge on the same day with his first international century.
For fans new to this England churn, Cox is the thread joining several stories. He scores runs, keeps wicket and keeps turning up when a gap opens.
The next contract list will show how far that rise has taken him. England's latest batch of central contracts, the yearly deals handed out by the board, is due in the coming days. Durham opener Emilio Gay is in line for a first deal after his debut Test summer and is also in line to tour South Africa this winter.
Cox, Banton and Dan Lawrence could also feature. Contracts held by Ben Stokes and Mark Wood are set to end after their international retirements. Ollie Pope, Zak Crawley, Matthew Potts and Luke Wood are out of favour, with their one-year deals due to run out.
There is also a decision to make on Brydon Carse. He has not been picked for England since he was arrested then de-arrested on a night out in Derby in August. The police investigation ended without action. He remains available for selection while subject to a Cricket Regulator investigation.
The dugout looks different too. McCullum started the summer as coach across all three formats before losing the Test role in July. Stephen Fleming is now England's Test coach.
