ENG vs PAK 3rd T20I: Jos Buttler To Miss Third T20I In Cardiff On Paternity Leave

England captain Jos Buttler is set to miss the third T20I against Pakistan at Cardiff as he will be on paternity leave. The star opener has left the England squad and has travelled back to London as the delivery of his third child is near. He didn't feature in the practice session on Monday, May 27 and it remains unclear if the wicketkeeper-batter would be available for the third T20I match of the four-match series before England moves to West Indies for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. The veteran all-rounder Moeen Ali is expected to lead the team in his absence. This also confirms Buttler's availability for the entire T20 World Cup 2024. Moeen Ali, who was questioned by the local media with the decision of taking over the captaincy from Buttler midway, previously stated that he wouldn't make many changes and mentioned that it would be an honor for him.

Jos Buttler To Miss Third T20I In Cardiff On Paternity Leave

Skipper Jos Buttler will not play in England's third T20I against Pakistan as he is on paternity leave. After leading England to a 23-run victory at Edgbaston on Saturday, giving them a 1-0 lead in the four-match series, Buttler travelled back home to London. This comes as he and his wife Louise are expecting their third child very soon. The veteran all-rounder Moeen Ali is expected to lead the team in his absence. This also confirms Buttler's availability for the entire T20 World Cup 2024.

"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 Ali said.

Moeen Ali, who was questioned by the local media about the decision to take over the captaincy from Buttler midway, previously stated that he wouldn't make many changes and mentioned that it would be an honour for him. Duckett could replace Buttler at the top of the order. This would allow England's main batting lineup to practice in their likely roles for the T20 World Cup 2024. 

"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," Moeen 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 Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow is likely to open alongside Phil Salt. Ben Duckett is on standby and can step in if Bairstow's role remains unchanged. Alternatively, Sam Curran can bat at number four if Bairstow opens.