In a significant blow to both his team and the tournament, England’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler has withdrawn from this year’s Hundred competition due to a calf injury. This setback not only affects the fortunes of the Manchester Originals but also casts a shadow over the competition as a whole.

Buttler’s Unfortunate Injury

Jos Buttler, a central figure in England’s white-ball setup, was set to lead the Manchester Originals in The Hundred. However, after missing the first three matches of the season, all of which resulted in defeats for the Originals, Buttler has had to step back from the tournament. This is not the first time the 33-year-old has been sidelined by a calf injury; he missed much of the 2022 campaign for the same reason. Expressing his disappointment, Buttler said on Instagram, “Gutted to be missing The Hundred this year. Best of luck to Manchester Originals for the rest of the campaign. Working hard to be 100% fit asap.”

Impact on Manchester Originals

The Originals, who were runners-up last year, will sorely miss Buttler’s leadership and batting prowess. His absence leaves a significant gap in the team, both in terms of on-field performance and morale. The team, already struggling with three consecutive losses, faces an uphill battle to turn their season around without their star player.

The Hundred’s Final Showcase

This year’s Hundred is particularly crucial as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is set to sell stakes in the eight teams in the autumn. The tournament serves as a final showcase to attract potential investors, making the presence of high-profile players like Buttler even more critical. His absence could impact the overall appeal and competitive edge of the tournament, which the ECB is keen to highlight.

England’s Upcoming Fixtures

While Buttler’s absence from The Hundred is a setback, his focus now shifts to regaining full fitness ahead of England’s upcoming white-ball series against Australia. The series, which includes three T20s and five ODIs, is scheduled between 11-29 September. Despite recent scrutiny over his leadership following England’s failure to defend either of the limited-overs World Cups, Buttler remains the captain of the national side.

Changes in the Coaching Setup

The England camp have also seen changes in its coaching structure. Matthew Mott has stepped down as head coach, with assistant coach Marcus Trescothick taking temporary charge for the Australia series. This transition period adds another layer of complexity as the team looks to bounce back under new leadership.

Jos Buttler’s injury and subsequent withdrawal from The Hundred is a significant blow to both the Manchester Originals and the tournament. As England prepares for a crucial series against Australia, all eyes will be on Buttler’s recovery and the team’s performance under new interim coach Marcus Trescothick. The Hundred, meanwhile, faces the challenge of maintaining its appeal and competitive edge without one of its biggest stars.