The Manchester Originals have been dealt a significant blow with the announcement that England’s limited-overs captain, Jos Buttler, has been ruled out of The Hundred 2024 due to a calf injury. Buttler, who was sidelined for the first three matches of the season, will not return to the tournament, leaving a major gap in the team’s lineup.
Buttler’s injury, sustained after England’s T20 World Cup campaign, was initially assessed with hopes of a potential return later in the tournament. However, recent scans have confirmed that he will not recover in time to participate in the remaining fixtures. The Originals, currently without a win in their first three games and sitting at the bottom of the table with a net run rate of -1.659, have struggled in Buttler’s absence.
Coach Simon Katich had considered signing left-handed batter Keaton Jennings as Buttler’s replacement, but Jennings has since joined the London Spirit. The Originals are yet to name a replacement for Buttler as they prepare for their upcoming match against the Northern Superchargers on August 4 at Headingley, Leeds.
Buttler, who has amassed 632 runs from 17 matches in The Hundred, including five half-centuries, was expected to be a pivotal player for the Originals. Last year, the team finished as runners-up, but this season’s campaign has been challenging.
Wayne Madsen, with 76 runs at a strike rate of 108.57, and left-arm spinner Tom Hartley, with four wickets, have been standout performers for the Originals.
