September 27, Colombo (LNW): England have added Dan Lawrence to their squad for the decisive third ODI against Sri Lanka at The Kia Oval on 27 September, after Jos Buttler was ruled out with a hamstring injury.
The three-match series is finely poised at 1-1 following Sri Lanka’s 16-run victory in the second game at Headingley, leaving the final match to determine the series winner.
Buttler suffered the injury during England’s pursuit of Sri Lanka’s imposing total of 321 for nine. The former captain had appeared to be in good touch, making 66, before experiencing discomfort while attempting to complete a second run in the 38th over.
Although he temporarily left the field, Buttler returned later in the innings and added three more runs to finish on 69. England, however, could not complete the chase and were dismissed 16 runs short of the target.
His absence removes an experienced figure from England’s white-ball line-up just when the team faces a must-win encounter. Lawrence has been called into the squad as cover after leaving Surrey’s County Championship fixture against Somerset.
The Surrey batter has yet to represent England in limited-overs internationals, meaning the match could provide him with an opportunity to make his white-ball debut if selected.
England will also have to decide who takes over wicketkeeping duties. Jordan Cox and Tom Banton are the available options, with Cox seemingly well placed to assume the gloves. Cox has already appeared in three ODIs for England and could now find himself playing a more prominent role in the series finale.
Sri Lanka’s success at Headingley transformed what had been a one-sided opening match into a winner-takes-all contest. England will now look to regain momentum on home soil, while Sri Lanka will aim to complete the series victory.
The third ODI at The Kia Oval is scheduled to get under way at 10.30am local time on 27 September.