England vs Pakistan: Jos Buttler set to return for second T20I

In a massive boost to England, wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler will return to bolster the side against Pakistan in the second T20I. The right-hand batter was out of action due to a calf injury he sustained during the T20I series against Sri Lanka.

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The hosts suffered a crushing defeat to Pakistan in the first T20I. Chasing a target of 233, England were bowled out for 201, succumbing to loss by 31 runs. Paul Collingwood, England head coach for the series, hinted at the possible few changes in the lineup for the second T20I and if sources are to be believed, then Buttler could return to the playing XI.

While the England batters were right in the hunt during the run-chase in the first T20I, England could not get over the finishing line. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter’s inclusion will surely beef up the batting lineup in the second T20I.

Also read: Sri Lanka have an even chance of winning, feels skipper Dasun Shanaka - Sky247 Blog

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"We have Jos fit again and he is ready to go so he will come back into the side. It will be good to see Jos back in the ranks. He has the experience and we all know what he can do at the top of the order," Sky Sports quoted Collingwood as saying.

Collingwood further opined that England is hungry to win games but at the same time, is willing to provide the fringe players and youngsters’ opportunities to prove their mettle ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021.

"We are desperate to win the games but at the same time there is experimenting going on because we have to give guys opportunities, it's as simple as that," he said. 

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"There are not many games before the T20 World Cup and we want to make sure every single position in the side is covered and we understand what every player who is backing up the other players can do," he added.        

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