Jordan Cox says replacing Buttler leaves big shoes to fill ahead of Oval decider

Jordan Cox said the challenge of stepping in for Jos Buttler is significant as England prepare for the deciding ODI against Sri Lanka at The Oval on Sunday. Cox acknowledged the wicketkeeper-batter leaves a substantial gap after suffering a hamstring injury during the second ODI at Headingley. Dan Lawrence has been added to the squad as cover and will train with England on Saturday morning.

Buttler made 69 off 49 balls despite the injury before England finished at 305 for nine chasing 322. Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis scored 121 and Dunith Wellalage took three for 49 as the visitors defended their total to win by 16 runs and level the series 1-1. Buttler is ruled out of Sunday's match.

Lawrence was withdrawn from Surrey's County Championship match against Somerset after scoring his sixth hundred of the season on Thursday. Cox, who has not played an ODI since 2024, is expected to keep wicket in the decider. The series began with England winning the first ODI by 89 runs at Durham.