Changes in England ODI squad before Sri Lanka series decider

England have brought in Dan Lawrence in place of Jos Buttler for the third ODI against Sri Lanka. At present, the three-match series is tied at 1-1, with the decider all set to be played The Oval tomorrow on 27 September.

Buttler scored 31 in England's win in the first ODI, but played a central role during their chase in the second ODI. The wicketkeeper-batter had blazed off with a quick-fire innings after walking in to bat at 157 for three, keeping England on track for a target of 322 runs. However, in the 38th over, when Buttler ran two to get to 66, he suffered discomfort in his left hamstring and subsequently, left the field. He hobbled back onto the pitch at a later stage, but exceptional death bowling meant that he could only add three more to his total and England fell short by 16 runs.

Buttler will now be absent from the series-decider, providing an opportunity for young wicketkeeper-batter, Jordan Cox.

Cox has only featured in three ODIs but has impressed on his red-ball outings in the recent Test series against Pakistan. In three Tests, the 25-year-old has amassed 202 runs at an average of 50.50.

Speaking on his potential inclusion to the side for the final ODI, he said, "If I do get the opportunity that will be awesome. Jos [Buttler] is probably the best ever white-ball cricketer we've produced but he's someone who can go under the radar in 50-over cricket. Whoever comes in will be an excited person. The opportunity in sport comes around and you've got to look forward to the challenge."

Injury replacement Dan Lawrence who is yet to make his debut in the limited-overs format is also an option for the Three Lions as they look to tinker with their combinations heading into the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2027.

Lawrence has featured for England in 17 Tests, and scored 65 in his last outing against Pakistan, where he also picked two wickets with his handy off-break.