England have lost wicket‑keeper Jos Buttler for the third One Day International against Sri Lanka after the veteran suffered a hamstring problem in the previous match. In his place, Surrey opening batsman Dan Lawrence has been summoned to the national squad.
The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed that Lawrence will join the team for the Sunday fixture and that he has been released from Surrey's County Championship clash with Somerset so he can train at The Oval on Saturday morning. The ECB released a statement saying: "Surrey batsman Dan Lawrence has been added to the England men's squad for the third Metro Bank ODI against Sri Lanka. Jos Buttler has been ruled out following the hamstring injury he sustained during the second Metro Bank ODI at Headingley on Thursday and will undergo further medical assessment." This development forces England to rethink their batting order and leadership options ahead of the series decider. In the second ODI, Sri Lanka put up a resilient performance that saw them chase down the target and win by 16 runs at Headingley, leveling the three‑match series at one win each.
Buttler had been instrumental in England's chase, anchoring the innings until the 38th over when he was forced to retire hurt with the score at 254 for four. After a brief break, he returned to the crease in the 48th over, determined to see his side home. Despite the pain, he managed to add 69 runs before finally being dismissed. His effort, however, was not enough to prevent the Sri Lankan bowlers from tightening their grip and ultimately securing the victory.
The injury not only removed a key run‑maker but also stripped England of a seasoned finisher who often accelerates the scoring rate in the final overs. With Buttler sidelined, the team will have to rely on other experienced hands such as Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes or the newly‑called‑up Dan Lawrence to fill the void. Lawrence, who has been a consistent performer for Surrey in the County Championship, will now have the chance to showcase his skills on the international stage.
He was withdrawn from Surrey's match against Somerset to join the England camp, indicating the importance the selectors place on his potential contribution. The third ODI will therefore be a crucial test of England's depth. The side will need to rebuild momentum after the setback, especially as the series is now finely balanced. In the second game, other England batsmen also fell short: Will Jacks contributed 52 runs, Rehan Ahmed was dismissed without scoring, Gus Atkinson added 16, and Jamie Overton managed only two runs.
The middle and lower order struggled to maintain a healthy run rate after the 37th over, managing just a single boundary and a six as Sri Lankan bowlers applied relentless pressure. Beyond the immediate impact on the match, Buttler's absence raises questions about England's strategic options for the remainder of the series and the upcoming summer programme.
The team will have to decide whether to promote a younger player to the wicket‑keeping role or to reshuffle the batting lineup, perhaps promoting an all‑rounder like Moeen Ali or giving more responsibility to the opening pair. The decision will also affect the balance of the side in the field, as Buttler's agility behind the stumps has often been a key asset. The series itself has generated considerable interest, with both teams displaying moments of brilliance.
Sri Lanka's bowlers, in particular, demonstrated disciplined line and length, exploiting England's middle‑order vulnerabilities. Their ability to bowl tight overs in the death phase was evident as they limited England to a modest total in the final stages of the chase. For England, the challenge now lies in adapting to the loss of their star finisher and finding a new combination that can chase down targets under pressure. Fans are encouraged to watch the match live on Sky Sports, with all times listed in UK and Ireland schedules.
The cricketing community also notes that the video player works best on the Chrome browser, ensuring a smoother viewing experience for those following the action online. Looking ahead, the outcome of this third ODI will not only decide the series winner but also provide insight into England's bench strength and the readiness of players like Dan Lawrence to step up at the highest level. The match promises to be a tightly contested encounter, with both sides eager to claim the series trophy after the deadlock at 1‑1. England must regroup quickly, adjust tactics, and find a way to compensate for Buttler's missing firepower if they hope to clinch the decider.