Jos Buttler set to miss third T20I against Australia to be with his family

England wicket-keeper Jos Buttler is set to miss the third and final T20I of the three-match series against Australia. The hosts have already won the series after sealing the second game on Sunday thanks to Buttler’s unbeaten 77 off 54 deliveries. Having won the series, England can afford to let him rest given the fact that he is also scheduled to leave for the UAE to take part in the Indian Premier League (IPL) soon after the ODI series.

Jos Buttler left the bio-secure bubble on Sunday evening and will join the team in the bubble ahead of the first ODI against Australia on September 11. He will also be tested for Coronavirus before allowing back into the bubble. Sam Billings is the likeliest candidate to replace him for the last T20 International on Tuesday while Jonny Bairstow might take up the wicket-keeping gloves.

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) released an official statement confirming Buttler’s absence for Tuesday’s game. “England batsman Jos Buttler left the bio-secure bubble yesterday evening following the team’s victory over Australia to be with his family,” the statement read.

Tom Banton likely to open the innings

In Jos Buttler’s absence, Tom Banton is likely to open the innings once again for England. The latter has openly voiced his opinion in favour of batting at the top of the order. He did so against Pakistan and performed well only to be demoted to the middle-order after the favoured players returned. However, this will be another great opportunity for him to cement his place at the top.

Meanwhile, it also remains to be seen if England will rest the likes of Mark Wood and Jofra Archer for the final T20I after unleashing raw pace in the first two matches. Both the pacers clocked more than 150 mph on several occasions and troubled the visitors time and again. Joe Denly, Sam Curran and Sam Billings are the three players who are yet to get a chance in the series and the home side might think of including them in the XI.