Buttler a big doubt for Ashes marathon
JOSS Buttler is the first topline England player to say he may not go on this winter’s Ashes tour.
The Three Lions wicket-keeper is worried about being away from his family for around four months.
If Covid restrictions down under mean they cannot travel with the England team, Buttler may have to step away.
He said: “I’ve sacrificed a lot for cricket and my wife and family have sacrificed a lot.
“You have to be open to saying no.
“It would be disappointing if some players feel like they can’t do it, but we’re in a world at the moment where that is a possibility.”
The England players don’t know if their families will be allowed to visit them at any point on the tour.
Buttler understands why that’s the case but admits it will make life tough for the players.
He added: “Covid is incredibly challenging for everyone and Australia has a very strict policy in how they’ve tried to deal with it.
Track
“Until we get more information about what the tour might look like, it’s impossible to know what decision you’re making.”
Before then, Joe Root’s men have to get back on track in their series against India.
England went 1-0 down at Lord’s after some poor batting.
But it’s the bowling attack that looks weak for the third Test that starts at Headingley today.
Mark Wood is the latest seamer on the sidelines after hurting his shoulder diving to save one run at Lord’s.
He joins Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes on the sidelines.
Somerset’s Craig Overton or Lancashire paceman Saqib Mahmood are now likely to play.
Woakes is back in second XI action for Warwickshire and may be back for the fourth match at The Oval.