Jos Buttler has arrived in Barbados to join the England team but will not be taking on the wicketkeeping duties in the upcoming T20 series against the West Indies.
Due to a nagging calf injury, Buttler has not played professionally since the T20 World Cup last June and intends to make his return as a specialist opening batter after missing several matches including The Hundred, Australia’s limited-overs tour, and the ongoing ODI series against the Windies.
In the absence of Moeen Ali and Chris Jordan, Buttler will focus on fielding closer to the bowlers and communicating with them, while Phil Salt will take on the wicketkeeping role during the T20 series starting in Bridgetown this weekend.
Although Buttler has been the regular wicketkeeper in previous T20 matches, he was preparing to hand over the responsibility to Salt and Jamie Smith in the ODIs had he been fit against Australia.
During a training session in Barbados, Buttler participated in close-in fielding drills and batting practice before rain forced an early end to the session.
Buttler is determined to reinforce his captaincy skills after a challenging year for the England team, while Salt is eager to play a more influential role in the matches.
The schedule for the West Indies vs England series is as follows:
- First ODI: West Indies win by eight wickets (DLS)
- Second ODI: England win by five wickets
- Third ODI: Barbados – Wednesday, November 6 (6 pm)
- First T20: Barbados – Saturday, November 9 (8 pm)
- Second T20: Barbados – Sunday, November 10 (8 pm)
- Third T20: St Lucia – Thursday, November 14 (8 pm)
- Fourth T20: St Lucia – Saturday, November 16 (8 pm)
- Fifth T20: St Lucia – Sunday, November 17 (8 pm)
Don’t miss England’s white-ball tour of West Indies on Sky Sports with live coverage on digital platforms, including live blogs and reports. The third and final ODI is scheduled for Wednesday in Barbados.
