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England captain Jos Buttler is set to miss the third T20I of the four-T20I series against Pakistan. Buttler will be on paternity leave as his wife Louise is expecting their third child.
Buttler did not turn up for the training session in Cardiff on May 27. It is unclear whether he will feature in the fourth T20I which is scheduled to be played on May 30 at Kennington Oval, London. The wicketkeeper-batter is likely to leave with the squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 on May 31.
While the first T20I was abandoned due to rain, Buttler scored 84 runs from 51 balls in the second T20I. He won the 'Player of the match' award as England beat Pakistan by 23 runs at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Changes expected in absence of Buttler
In his absence, England's vice-captain Moeen Ali is likely to lead the side. While Philip Salt will assume the wicketkeeping role, it will be interesting to see who opens the innings. Will Jacks and Jonny Bairstow are capable of opening the innings. If they opt for an opener, Ben Duckett may get a chance. Otherwise, Sam Curran is likely to walk into the side.
Last week, Ali opened up on the possibility of him leading the England side.
"Obviously if it happens, then it's a great honour - as it always is," Moeen said. "I'll be fine. Nothing will change too much: it's just taking over from what he's doing and then when he comes back, he takes over.
"Hopefully, the baby comes at the right time where he doesn't miss too many games. For me, it's just whatever will happen, will happen. [Deputising] is not really difficult, to be honest with you, because we speak often, me and Jos. We talk about other things, the team, and all that. We're on the same page anyway."
No warm-up game for England
Both England and Pakistan will not play a warm-up match before the T20 World Cup 2024. The defending champions are placed in Group B alongside Australia, Namibia, Scotland and Oman. They will face Scotland in their T20 World Cup opener at Kensington Oval, Barbados.
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