England captain Jos Buttler is set to miss the third T20I against Pakistan at Cardiff as he will be on a paternity leave. The opener has left the squad and has travelled back to London as the delivery of his third child is imminent. He didn’t feature in the practice session on Monday, May 27 and it remains unclear if the stumper-batter would be available for the final match of the series before England moves to West Indies for the T20 World Cup.
In his absence, veteran all-rounder Moeen Ali is slated to lead the side. Meanwhile, it also confirms Buttler’s situation as he is now expected to be available for the entire T20 World Cup. Ali, who was poised with the question of taking over the captaincy from Buttler midway, earlier stated that he wouldn’t change a lot of things and mentioned that it would be an honour for him.
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“Obviously if it happens, then it’s a great honour – as it always is. I’ll be fine. Nothing will change too much: it’s just taking over from what he’s doing and then when he comes back, he takes over,” Moeen was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
“Hopefully, the baby comes at the right time where he doesn’t miss too many games. For me, it’s just whatever will happen, will happen. (Deputising) is not really difficult, to be honest with you, because we speak often, me and Jos. We talk about other things, the team, and all that. We’re on the same page anyway,” he added.
Meanwhile, the first T20I of the series against Pakistan was called off due to rain, while England picked up a comfortable 23-run win in the second. In the absence of Buttler, Jonny Bairstow is likely to open alongside Phil Salt. Ben Duckett is waiting in the wings and can come in if the team management decides not to change Bairstow’s role. However, in case they decide to go with Bairstow, Sam Curran can play at number four.