Jos Buttler Ruled Out, Phil Salt Appointed As Captain In T20Is Against Australia

England opener Phil Salt has been named captain for the upcoming T20I series against Australia as regular captain Jos Buttler has been sidelined with a calf injury.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that Buttler’s injury also casts doubt on his availability for the subsequent ODI series against Australia. Salt, who plays for Lancashire and has captained the Manchester Originals in The Hundred this season, will lead the team in the three-match T20I series.

Salt, 28, has been an integral part of England’s white-ball setup, having scored 885 runs in 31 T20Is at an impressive strike rate of 165.11. His aggressive approach at the top of the order has made him one of the key players in England’s T20 lineup. Salt’s leadership will be tested as he faces a strong Australian side in a high-profile series.

In addition, Jamie Overton has been called up to replace Buttler in the T20I squad, while Jordan Cox has been added to the ODI squad as cover. The T20I series kicks off at Southampton’s Utilita Bowl on September 11, followed by matches in Cardiff on September 13 and Manchester on September 15.

Australia, coming off a dominant record win over Scotland in Edinburgh, will play two more T20Is against Scotland before the series against England.