Manchester Originals captain Jos Buttler could miss the entire upcoming season of The Hundred, according to the latest reports.
Buttler could miss The Hundred - reports
Buttler, England's white-ball skipper, had earlier this month, been confirmed to lead the Manchester Originals' men's team this season. However, according to a report from ESPNCricinfo dated July 25, he might end up missing the entire season after undergoing medical scans following a calf injury he suffered in preparation for the tournament.
Harry Brook has stated he isn't aiming to become England's white-ball captain, despite uncertainty surrounding the future of current skipper Jos Buttler.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) July 25, 2024
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The wicketkeeper has been captain of the Originals in every season of The Hundred so far. The team reached the final of the competition in 2022 and 2023 but lost out to the Trent Rockets and Oval Invincibles respectively. Buttler himself was in fine form with the bat last year, leading the competition for runs scored, with 391.
It had been speculated earlier this week that Buttler may be injured, putting a dent in the Originals' gameplan which depends heavily on the opening partnership between him and Phil Salt. When asked about it, Originals head coach Simon Katich had hinted at handing one of the team's younger players an opportunity if Buttler was to be ruled out.
Ben Stokes has quickly established a legacy as one of England's most impactful captains, instantly improving their recent record.@Katya_Wisden examines how his stats compare to cricket's great captains: https://t.co/cffg7wQQKO pic.twitter.com/YIkC84XLX5
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) July 25, 2024
Calf injuries not new for Buttler
Calf injuries have been a recurrent theme in Buttler's career of late. In June 2021, he was ruled out of a bilateral series against Sri Lanka due to one, returning only a month later. The following year, he sustained another calf injury during The Hundred, which ruled him out of the remainder of the competition and put his participation in the T20 World Cup that year in doubt.
In 2022, Laurie Evans had stepped up to captain the team in Buttler's absence. Evans is not part of the squad this year, so it remains to be seen who will lead if Buttler is confirmed to miss the entire season. The Originals may also have to search for a replacement player.
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