Buttler injury flips the script at Headingley
England looked set to seal the Metro Bank One-Day Series after a flying start in their chase of 322. But everything changed when Jos Buttler pulled up clutching his left hamstring while running between the wickets.
He retired hurt on 67 with England cruising at 254-4 and needing just 68 from 75 balls. By the time he returned, the momentum had swung firmly towards Sri Lanka.
Mendis century sets up thriller
Sri Lanka posted 321-6 thanks to a superb 121 from captain Kusal Mendis. Charith Asalanka (11), Pavan Rathnayake (47), Janith Liyanage (32), Dunith Wellalage (16 not out) and Sachindu Colombage (3 not out) all contributed in the death overs to push the total past 320.
England’s bowlers, including Rehan Ahmed (2-48), couldn’t contain the late surge. That extra 20-30 runs ultimately proved decisive.
England’s charge stalls without Buttler
An opening stand of 143 between Ben Duckett and Tom Banton put England in the driver’s seat early. Banton top-scored with 73 before Wellalage (3-49) sparked a middle-order wobble.
Will Jacks chipped in with 52 but holed out as the pressure mounted. Buttler, barely able to run, managed only three more painful singles before holing out at deep mid-wicket in the final over.
England finished 305-9, falling short by 16 runs in one of the most entertaining ODIs of the summer.
What’s next: Series decider at The Oval
The three-match series now heads to a winner-takes-all decider at The Oval on Sunday. Buttler is expected to miss the final game, leaving England to reshuffle their batting order and leadership on the field.
Sri Lanka, buoyed by this comeback win, will believe they can complete a famous series upset against a side that had beaten them in every limited-overs meeting earlier in the summer.
FAQs
How did Jos Buttler get injured?
Buttler suffered a left hamstring strain while running between the wickets during England’s chase at Headingley.
What was Sri Lanka’s total in the second ODI?
Sri Lanka scored 321-6 in their 50 overs, with Kusal Mendis making 121.
Who top-scored for England?
Tom Banton top-scored with 73, while Jos Buttler made 69 before retiring hurt and returning to bat.
When and where is the series decider?
The third and final ODI will be played at The Oval on Sunday.cricinfo+1
