Lawrence Replaces Injured Buttler for Sri Lanka ODI Decider

England have called Dan Lawrence into their squad to replace injured Jos Buttler for the third and deciding one-day international against Sri Lanka at The Oval on September 27, leaving the teams level at one win apiece in the three-match series. Buttler has been ruled out after injuring his left hamstring in the second ODI at Headingley on September 24. England’s announcement, reported on September 25, named Lawrence as Buttler’s replacement. The 28-year-old has not yet played for England in either limited-overs format. He has represented the country in Test cricket and was in strong red-ball form this season, but his experience in List A cricket is limited. Buttler was hurt while running between wickets during England’s chase of Sri Lanka’s total in the second match. He scored 69 from 49 balls, including five fours and five sixes, before briefly leaving the field and returning to bat. England eventually lost by 16 runs, a result that tied the series at 1-1 ahead of the decider. The full extent of Buttler’s injury was not known in the reports. England expected further information after an MRI scan early the following week.