Prior to Tuesday’s game in Cardiff, the England squad announced that skipper Jos Buttler will their third Twenty20 International against Pakistan due to the birth of his third child.
After England defeated Pakistan by 23 runs at Edgbaston on Saturday, taking a 1-0 lead in the four-match series after the first game in Leeds washed out, Buttler has now gone back home to be with his wife.
“Jos Buttler is scheduled to miss our third Twenty20 international match against Pakistan due to his wife Louise’s impending third child’s birth,” an England Cricket statement stated.
England will be captained by all-rounder Moeen Ali in Buttler’s absence.
Pakistan must, however, make sure they emerge victorious in order to enter the T20 World Cup with immense confidence.
After a washed-out first match, Pakistan lost by 23 runs in the previous game on Saturday. A win will maintain the four-match series and Pakistan’s hopes of winning it.
Whether Buttler will be back in time to participate in Thursday’s series finale at The Oval was not disclosed by England.
