Buttler's reign as England captain under threat due to injury and slump in form

England captain Jos Buttler is set to withdraw from the upcoming edition of The Hundred 2024 due to a calf injury, sparking discussions about his future leadership role in the national team. 

The Telegraph reported that Buttler, who was slated to lead Manchester Originals, will miss the tournament after sustaining the injury during a training session.

The injury could potentially sideline Buttler for up to six weeks, making him a major doubt for England's forthcoming white-ball series against Australia. This series, comprising three T20 Internationals, is scheduled to begin on September 11. 

The full extent of Buttler's injury is yet to be determined, but early assessments suggest a significant layoff.

The Telegraph also reported that Buttler will soon engage in discussions with England's managing director Rob Key regarding his position as captain. This follows England's inability to defend their title at the T20 World Cup 2024, where they were defeated by eventual champions India in the semi-finals. 

Additionally, England's performance in the ODI World Cup 2023, where they suffered a group-stage exit, has put further pressure on the current leadership.

England is currently engaged in a three-Test series against West Indies at home. During this period, Key is conducting a comprehensive review of England's recent T20 and ODI World Cup campaigns. The report suggests that both Buttler and head coach Matthew Mott's positions are under scrutiny.

Further complicating matters, The report indicates that Buttler's leadership has faced criticism from both backroom staff and players. The dressing room atmosphere has reportedly been strained, with Buttler not being particularly popular among the squad. 

This internal dissent has fueled speculation about a possible leadership change ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

In Buttler's absence, Phil Salt will assume the captaincy of Manchester Originals for The Hundred's fourth edition. The team is expected to announce a replacement for Buttler in the coming days. 

Salt, who has been a standout performer in domestic cricket, will now have the opportunity to lead the Originals and demonstrate his leadership abilities on a prominent stage.

Buttler's injury and the ensuing leadership discussions come at a critical juncture for England cricket. As the team looks to rebuild and strategize for future international competitions, the decisions made in the coming weeks could have long-lasting implications.

With the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, England may opt for a new captain to guide them through this transitional period.