Jos Buttler ruled out of Pakistan tri-series as Jordan Cox steps in

Jos Buttler will miss England's one-day international tri-series in Pakistan in October because of a hamstring injury, with Jordan Cox confirmed as his replacement. BBC Sport reported that coach Brendon McCullum had ruled the wicketkeeper out of the competition, which starts on 20 October and also involves Sri Lanka.

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Buttler, 36, was injured while batting against Sri Lanka in the second ODI at Headingley on Thursday. He had reached an unbeaten 67 when he retired hurt, before returning and being dismissed for 69 from 49 balls. McCullum said the length of his absence remained difficult to assess, while pointing to Buttler's fitness and professionalism as he works towards a return.

Cox has already stepped in during the current series, scoring 76 in the third ODI at The Oval on Sunday. His selection for Pakistan follows a productive summer in Test cricket, during which he made a half-century in each of his three appearances against Pakistan while batting at number three. McCullum praised both his performances and his standing within the England dressing room.

The Pakistan competition is followed by England's white-ball tour of Australia in November. According to the BBC report, warm-up matches in Australia are under consideration as England prepare for next year's 50-over World Cup. They have won six limited-overs series this year. McCullum did not provide a firm recovery timetable for Buttler, leaving the wicketkeeper's return date unresolved beyond his confirmed absence from the tri-series.

England were due to finalise their squads on Monday, with central-contract announcements expected in the following days. BBC Sport reported that Durham opener Emilio Gay was in line for his first deal after making his Test debut during the summer. Cox, Tom Banton and Dan Lawrence were also identified as possible recipients, rather than confirmed contract holders in the forthcoming round.

Banton strengthened his recent international record with his first England century on Sunday. The contract decisions also come as deals held by former captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Mark Wood approach their end following their international retirements. For Cox, the confirmed Pakistan opportunity arrives alongside the prospect of a contract, although that separate decision had yet to be announced.