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 call up Surrey all‑rounder Dan Lawrence as his replacement. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that Lawrence has been added to the squad for the Sunday fixture at The Oval, while Buttler will undergo further medical evaluation following the injury he suffered during the second ODI at Headingley.
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 Lawrence was withdrawn from Surrey's County Championship encounter with Somerset so that he could join the national side for a training session at The Oval on Saturday morning. The second ODI had been a tightly contested affair.
Sri Lanka fought back valiantly to stop England’s chase and ultimately secured a 16‑run win at Headingley, leveling the three‑match series at one win each. Buttler had been instrumental in England’s pursuit, playing a pivotal role until the injury forced him to retire hurt in the 38th over with the score at 254 for four. After a brief pause, he returned to the crease in the 48th over, determined to see his side home.
Despite the pain, he managed to add 69 runs to the total before being dismissed, underscoring his importance to the batting line‑up. The innings, however, was not enough to stave off the Sri Lankan bowlers, who tightened their grip in the latter stages of the chase. England lost further wickets – Will Jacks fell for 52, Rehan Ahmed was out without scoring, Gus Atkinson contributed 16 and Jamie Overton added just two runs – as the hosts’ hopes dwindled.
From the 37th over onward, England managed only a single boundary and a solitary six, while the Sri Lankan attack applied relentless pressure, ultimately clinching a hard‑earned victory. With the series now tied 1‑1, England must regroup quickly for the decisive third ODI, this time without the services of Buttler, who had been a central figure in the previous match’s chase. The loss of a player of his calibre not only impacts the batting order but also the tactical flexibility that the English side enjoys. Dan Lawrence’s inclusion offers a fresh option; the left‑handed batsman brings solid technique and the ability to adapt to different match situations, though he will need to adjust rapidly to the intensity of international play.
Lawrence’s call‑up comes at a crucial juncture for England. The team will need to balance aggression with stability, especially in the middle order where Buttler usually operates.
England’s coaching staff will likely look to other experienced hands – such as Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes or the returning Adil Rashid – to fill the void and ensure that the batting momentum does not falter. Moreover, the bowlers will have to maintain the pressure that helped Sri Lanka secure the second win, focusing on disciplined lines and lengths to restrict the opposition’s scoring opportunities. The broader context of the series includes several other cricketing storylines.
Earlier in the week, Lhuandre Pretorius smashed an unbeaten 188, surpassing Chris Gayle’s record for the highest individual T20 score, a milestone that has generated considerable buzz across the cricketing world. Meanwhile, the Asian Games final between India and the West Indies, as well as Australia’s Test warm‑up matches, have been highlighted in recent scorecard round‑ups, illustrating the busy international calendar.
Looking ahead, the 2027 Cricket World Cup has already sparked discussions, with England’s group stage fixtures now revealed – they will avoid both Australia and India in the opening round, a draw that could influence their path to the knockout stages. Off the field, England fast‑bowler Brydon Carse faced disciplinary action from the Cricket Regulator after an incident at a nightclub, reminding fans that player conduct remains under scrutiny. For viewers in the UK and Ireland, all matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with start times listed in local time zones. The network has also provided guidance for a more accessible video player, recommending the use of the Chrome browser for optimal performance.
In summary, the third ODI promises to be a high‑stakes encounter. England must adapt to the absence of Jos Buttler, integrate Dan Lawrence into the squad, and execute a game plan that leverages their batting depth and bowling discipline. Sri Lanka, buoyed by their recent win, will look to replicate the pressure they applied in the second match. The outcome will not only decide the series but also set the tone for England’s upcoming commitments in the ODI tri‑series featuring Pakistan and Sri Lanka, where they will also recall fit‑again players like Adil Rashid and Sam Curran while resting Jofra Archer.
The stage is set for a compelling cricket showdown at The Oval.