Jos Buttler will miss England's third One-Day International against Sri Lanka after sustaining a hamstring problem in the previous match, prompting the selectors to bring Surrey all‑rounder Dan Lawrence into the squad. The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed that Lawrence has been drafted in for the Sunday fixture at The Oval, while Buttler will undergo further medical assessment before any decision on his return can be made. According to an ECB spokesperson, "Surrey batter Dan Lawrence has been called into the England Men's squad for Sunday's third Metro Bank ODI against Sri Lanka. Jos Buttler has been ruled out due to the hamstring injury he suffered in the second Metro Bank ODI at Headingley last night [Thursday] and will undergo further assessment." Lawrence was consequently withdrawn from Surrey's County Championship encounter with Somerset and will spend Saturday morning training with the national side at the historic ground.
The second ODI, played at Headingley, had been a tightly contested affair. Sri Lanka fought back valiantly to halt England's chase and eventually clinched a 16‑run victory, leveling the three‑match series at one win apiece.
Buttler had been the linchpin of England's batting effort, steering the chase with aggressive intent before the injury forced him off the field. In the 38th over, with England positioned at 254 for four, he felt a pull in his hamstring and was compelled to retire hurt. Determined to give his team a chance, he returned to the crease ten overs later in the 48th over, attempting a final rescue mission. Despite the pain, he managed to add 69 runs to the total before being dismissed, underscoring both his skill and his commitment.
England's middle order also faltered under pressure. Will Jacks contributed a modest 52, while Rehan Ahmed was dismissed without scoring.
Gus Atkinson added 16 runs and Jamie Overton managed just two, as Sri Lanka's bowlers tightened their lines and lengths from the 37th over onward. The hosts managed only a single boundary and a six in the closing stages, illustrating how the Sri Lankan attack seized control and forced England into a hard‑earned defeat. The loss leaves the series dead‑locked at 1‑1, and the upcoming third ODI now becomes a decisive encounter. Without Buttler, who had been central to the second‑match chase, England will need to reorganise their batting order and find a new catalyst.
Dan Lawrence's inclusion offers a fresh option; the left‑handed batsman has shown promise in county cricket with a blend of technique and power, and his experience in the middle order could prove valuable in stabilising the innings. Beyond the immediate series, the broader cricket calendar continues to generate excitement. The 2027 Cricket World Cup fixtures have been released, revealing that England will avoid both Australia and India in the group stage of the 50‑over tournament, a draw that could influence preparation strategies for the next few years.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports continues to broadcast live cricket across the UK and Ireland, with upcoming fixtures featuring England recalling fit‑again players Adil Rashid and Sam Curran, while Jofra Archer rests for the ongoing ODI tri‑series that also involves Pakistan. Fans can also look forward to other high‑profile matches, such as the South Africa versus Australia third ODI, and the thrilling contest between India and the West Indies, where Shubman Gill famously scored an unbeaten 223, guiding India to chase down 406 runs and secure a memorable victory.
These events highlight the vibrant and competitive nature of international limited‑overs cricket, providing plenty of content for enthusiasts. As the series stands evenly poised, England's coaching staff will have to assess their options carefully.
The loss of Buttler not only removes a prolific run‑scorer but also a dynamic finisher who can accelerate the scoring rate in the final overs. Replacing his firepower may involve promoting a younger talent, adjusting the batting hierarchy, or relying on the experience of senior players like Joe Root or Ben Stokes to anchor the innings. The decision will be crucial, as the final ODI could determine which side claims the series.
In preparation for the match, Lawrence will join the England camp at The Oval on Saturday morning, taking part in net sessions and tactical briefings. His role may evolve depending on how the team decides to balance the lineup without Buttler. Whether he opens, slots into the top order, or provides a stabilising presence in the middle, his performance will be closely watched by both the coaching staff and the supporters.
The upcoming game also presents an opportunity for Sri Lanka to capitalize on the momentum they gained from the second‑match win. Their bowlers, having demonstrated the ability to apply pressure in the death overs, will aim to replicate that discipline and force England into a low‑scoring chase. The pitch at The Oval traditionally offers a balanced contest between bat and ball, meaning both sides will need to execute their plans with precision.
Overall, the third ODI promises to be a compelling climax to a series that has already delivered drama, skill, and unexpected twists. While England mourns the absence of Jos Buttler, they also have the chance to showcase depth and resilience, with Dan Lawrence stepping onto the international stage.
Cricket fans worldwide can anticipate a tightly fought encounter that will ultimately decide who walks away with the series victory.