Jos Buttler set to miss third T20I match against Pakistan

England skipper Jos Buttler is set to miss the third T20I against Pakistan as he takes paternity leave, all-rounder Moeen Ali is expected to lead the team in his absence.

After leading England to a 23-run victory in the second T20I match at Edgbaston on Saturday, which gave them a 1-0 lead in the four-match series following the washed-out opener at Leeds, Buttler traveled home to London to be with his wife, Louise, who is expecting their third child imminently.

The right-hand batter also missed Monday afternoon's training session in Cardiff, making his participation in Tuesday evening's match highly unlikely. It remains uncertain whether he will return for the final match of the series at The Oval on Thursday night. 

However, he is expected to join the squad on Friday for their departure to the Caribbean for the T20 World Cup, which starts next Tuesday (June 4) in Barbados against Scotland. 

Buttler had previously stated his commitment to attending the birth, even if it meant missing a group-stage match.

England's vice-captain Moeen Ali previously expressed readiness to lead the team at the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup if skipper Jos Buttler misses part of the tournament due to paternity leave.

"Obviously if it happens, then it's a great honour - as it always is," Moeen said. "I'll be fine. Nothing will change too much: it's just taking over from what he's doing and then when he comes back, he takes over.

"Hopefully, the baby comes at the right time where he doesn't miss too many games. For me, it's just whatever will happen, will happen. [Deputising] is not really difficult, to be honest with you, because we speak often, me and Jos. We talk about other things, the team, and all that. We're on the same page anyway," he added.