In the ongoing Ashes 2021-22, England star wicket-keeping batsman Jos Buttler has been ruled out of the fifth and final Test in Hobart due to a fractured left index finger. Now he will fly back to the UK and will be treated by the ECB medical team.
There’s more to it, England star player Jonny Bairstow has injured his right thumb and Ben Stokes is suffering from a left side strain – Both the players will be assessed in the next few days in order to check their availability for the final test.
Jos Buttler has suffered an injury during Australia’s 1st innings of the 4th Test in Sydney. In his absence, Ollie Pope has taken the wicketkeeping duties in the second innings – despite injury Buttler did bat in the 2nd innings and scored 11 of 38 balls. England’s star wicketkeeping batsmen had a disappointing Ashes series and finished with 107 runs at an average of just over 15.
During the post-match presentation at the SCG, England skipper Joe Root said – “Buttler is going home after this game, it’s quite a bad injury. Real disappointment and shame to not have him at Hobart. The way he stood up for the team shows his character,”
ECB has announced Sam Billings has the replacement for the 5th and final test at Hobart on 14th January 2022. He has played a total of 25 ODIs and 33 T20Is – He will definitely look to make his Test debut and will be eager to take over the wicketkeeping role for the National Test side. He played for Sydney Thunder in the 2021-22 BBL and also cleared a PCR test after his arrival in Sydney – Currently, he is under strict isolation in his team hotel and he will need a final PCR test in order to join his side.
England Cricket Board has sent a press note stating – “Sam Billings had a negative PCR test following his arrival into Sydney yesterday. He is currently isolating in the team hotel. He will have one additional PCR test before bridging into the main group. Subject to receiving a negative test, he will fly to Hobart with the main party,”
