Jos Buttler has confirmed he will not rush his recovery from hamstring surgery and could face a prolonged absence from international cricket, potentially not representing England again until September. The experienced wicketkeeper-batter underwent a procedure this month following a severe grade-three tear sustained to his left hamstring while running between the wickets during an ODI against Sri Lanka at Headingley. The significant injury has already ruled him out of England’s ongoing tri-series in Pakistan and their upcoming white-ball tour to Australia.
Recovery Timeline and Franchise Ambitions
Speaking on a podcast this week, Buttler outlined a minimum 12 to 16-week rehabilitation period recommended by his surgeons and medical staff. He admitted that England’s three-match ODI series in South Africa scheduled for January will likely come too soon for his competitive return. Instead, the veteran cricketer is targeting a comeback during the SA20 franchise tournament, where he hopes to feature for Durban’s Super Giants before linking up with the Gujarat Titans for the upcoming Indian Premier League season.
- Jos Buttler tore his left hamstring during an ODI against Sri Lanka at Headingley.
- Surgeons estimate a 12 to 16-week rehabilitation period following his hamstring operation.
- The batter expects January ODIs in South Africa to arrive too soon for his playing comeback.
- The ECB may consider picking him for England Lions fixtures to secure 50-over practice.
Future Scheduling Challenges for England
England’s stop-start white-ball schedule, combined with next summer’s home Test commitments and full player availability agreements for the Indian Premier League, heavily restricts Buttler’s international windows. Because the ECB allows players to stay for the entire duration of the franchise tournament, Buttler could miss a five-match ODI series against Pakistan in May. Consequently, his next appearance in an England shirt may not happen until the series against New Zealand next September, just a month prior to the commencement of the ICC 50-over World Cup.
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