Jos Buttler back to captain England in fourth ODI against Pakistan

Jos Buttler is expected to return as captain as England aim to clinch a series victory over Pakistan with victory in Friday’s fourth one-day international.

Buttler, who blasted 110no in the second match of the series, was rested for Tuesday’s clash in Bristol but is likely to take over the reins from Eoin Morgan.

England white-ball skipper Morgan is ruled out of the clash at Trent Bridge after being suspended for one ODI and fined 40 per cent of his match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate in the third ODI.

The hosts won that match by six wickets to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series with two games to play, impressing once again with the bat as Jonny Bairstow blasted his seventh ODI century.

Bairstow was one of three players to miss training at Trent Bridge on Thursday and it is likely that all three will be rested.

That opens the door for James Vince to join forces with opener Jason Roy at the top of the order, while paceman Mark Wood is in line to make his first appearance of the series after recovering from a persistent ankle problem.

Fellow speedster Jofra Archer sat out the last two ODIs but should get another chance to press his claims for a place in England’s World Cup squad, to be confirmed on Tuesday, in the remaining games of the series.

Wood told Sky Sports that he can’t wait to get the chance to bowl in tandem with Archer.

“I have to put every ounce of effort into trying to bowl fast and he does it make it look really easy, which is a bit frustrating,” laughed Wood.


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“But he’s so natural in the way that he runs in and lets it fly. I couldn’t believe how far back Jos was stood during the game at the Oval; it’s going to be exciting when I bowl at the other end.

“They’ll probably feel like I’m bowling at 70mph compared to him, so it would be good to have two pace lads in at the same time and see if we can really ruffle a few feathers.

“He’s another fast bowler so were in competition for that spot but ultimately it’s what I can do myself regardless of what other people are doing in the team. I’ve got to look after my own position.”

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