Sri Lanka level England ODI series after Buttler hamstring setback

Sri Lanka beat England by 16 runs in the second one-day international at Headingley to force a series decider at The Oval. Jos Buttler's hamstring problem interrupted England's chase at a critical stage, according to BBC Sport, with the hosts unable to regain control despite his return to the crease late in the innings.

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Sri Lanka had posted 321-6 from their 50 overs, with captain Kusal Mendis making a century. England's reply began strongly as Tom Banton and Ben Duckett shared an opening partnership of 143, scoring at more than seven runs an over. That start put the home side in a promising position, but neither opener was able to turn his half-century into a hundred.

Left-arm spinner Wellalage removed both men, bowling Duckett for 67 and having Banton stumped for 73. England lost three wickets for 14 runs as the innings changed direction. Joe Root made 15, while Harry Brook was dismissed lbw by Wellalage for one, leaving England to rebuild after the opening pair's substantial contribution.

Buttler responded by attacking Sri Lanka's spin bowling, hitting five sixes and helping bring the target back within reach. England needed 68 from 75 balls when he retired hurt on 67 after hurting a hamstring. His departure came with the required scoring rate comfortably below a run a ball, making the interruption a significant moment in a chase that had again been moving England's way.

Sri Lanka's seamers then used reverse swing to put pressure on the lower order. Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton fell before Buttler returned with England needing 27 from 14 deliveries. Will Jacks, who had made 52, was dismissed with Buttler at the non-striker's end. England entered the final over still needing 19, and Buttler, struggling to run, was caught at deep midwicket.

The result leaves the series to be settled at The Oval on Sunday, when the match is scheduled to begin at 10:30 BST. England had substantial contributions from their openers, Buttler and Jacks, but Sri Lanka's late wickets proved decisive. BBC Sport's report described Buttler's restricted movement on his return without establishing how the hamstring problem would affect his availability for the deciding match.