Jos Buttler has been forced to sit out England's third One Day International against Sri Lanka after sustaining a hamstring problem in the previous match, prompting the inclusion of Surrey batsman Dan Lawrence in the squad. The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed that Lawrence will join the national side for the upcoming game at The Oval, while Buttler will undergo further medical evaluation to determine his recovery timeline.
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 Lawrence has been withdrawn from Surrey's County Championship encounter with Somerset so that he can train with the England camp on Saturday morning, giving him a chance to integrate with the team ahead of the decisive fixture.
The second ODI, played at Headingley, saw Sri Lanka mount a spirited resistance that ultimately halted England's chase, resulting in a 16‑run victory for the visitors and leveling the three‑match series at 1‑1. Buttler had been the linchpin of England's batting effort, steering the side towards the target before the injury forced him off the field. In the 38th over, with England perched at 254 for four, he collapsed with a painful hamstring strain. Determined to help his team, he returned to the crease ten overs later, attempting to rescue the innings.
Despite the discomfort, he managed a gritty 69 runs before being dismissed, underscoring both his skill and his commitment. The innings, however, was not enough to overcome the tightening grip of the Sri Lankan bowlers. England lost further wickets as the chase progressed: Will Jacks fell for 52, Rehan Ahmed was dismissed without scoring, Gus Atkinson contributed 16, and Jamie Overton managed just two runs.
From the 37th over onward, England managed only a solitary boundary and a six, as the Sri Lankan attack applied relentless pressure and secured a hard‑fought win. With the series now tied, England must regroup quickly for the final ODI without their premier wicket‑keeper‑batsman. The loss of Buttler, who had been instrumental in the second‑match chase, leaves a noticeable gap in both the batting order and the team's leadership on the field. Dan Lawrence, who has been called up as his replacement, will have to adapt swiftly to the international arena, providing stability in the middle order and contributing runs when needed.
The upcoming match also comes amid a busy cricketing calendar. Recent headlines include Brydon Carse facing disciplinary action from the Cricket Regulator after a nightclub incident, and the 2027 Cricket World Cup draw, which shows England avoiding Australia and India in the group stage.
Additionally, England have recalled the fit‑again Adil Rashid and Sam Curran, while Jofra Archer is being rested for the ongoing ODI tri‑series that also features Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Fans looking to watch the live action can tune in to Sky Sports, which will broadcast all the games for UK and Irish audiences. The schedule lists the third ODI for Sunday, with kickoff times aligned to British Summer Time. For those interested in broader cricket coverage, Sky Sports also offers live streams of other fixtures, including South Africa versus Australia and various highlight reels.
Beyond the immediate series, the England camp will use the extra preparation time to assess Buttler's fitness. A hamstring injury can vary in severity, ranging from a minor strain that heals with rest to a more serious tear requiring weeks of rehabilitation. The medical team will conduct scans and functional tests to determine whether Buttler can return for the final ODI or if his recovery will extend into the upcoming series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. In the meantime, the England coaching staff will likely adjust the batting strategy.
Without Buttler's aggressive left‑handed presence at the top, they may promote a more conservative approach, relying on the experience of players like Jos's fellow opener, Jonny Bairstow, and the steady hand of Eoin Morgan, who continues to captain the side. Dan Lawrence, known for his solid technique in county cricket, could be slotted into the middle order to provide balance and absorb pressure. The series narrative also highlights Sri Lanka's resurgence.
After a long period of inconsistent performances, the Lankan side displayed resilience at Headingley, executing disciplined bowling plans and capitalising on England's lapses. Their bowlers, especially the pace attack, executed tight lines and lengths, forcing England into a defensive mode and ultimately clinching the win. This momentum could carry them into the final ODI, where they will look to exploit England's weakened batting lineup.
Overall, the third ODI promises to be a tightly contested affair, with England seeking to reclaim the series lead and Sri Lanka aiming to secure a series‑winning victory. The inclusion of Dan Lawrence adds a fresh element to the English side, while the absence of Jos Buttler serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in international cricket. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how both teams adapt to the evolving circumstances and whether England can overcome the setback to clinch the series.