England captain Joe Root has confirmed that keeper-batter Jos Buttler will fly back home and will not be part of the fifth and final Test of Ashes 2021-22 at Hobart, a day-night affair. This is due to Buttler sustaining a blow on his hand in the recently-concluded fourth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Root's confirmation came after England survived by the slightest of margins to walk away with a draw in Sydney. With this draw, England avoided a potential white-wash at the hands of Australians, having lost the first three Test matches already to lose the series and the Ashes urn.
"Jos Buttler is going home after this game, it's quite a bad injury. A real disappointment and shame to not have him at Hobart. The way he stood up for the team shows his character," said Root after the fourth Test came to an end.
The England captain was all praises for Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow. Stokes made 66 and 60 in two innings, while Bairstow slammed 113 and 41 as England managed to draw the fourth Test in SCG with just one wicket in hand.
"It was really important (to play this sort of a gem). Has been a difficult tour. Tough at times but one thing I am proud of is the determination and character of the team and find way to get a draw out of this game. I said after the last game try and put some pride in the badge and give something for the blokes back home to take. Bairstow and Stokes were outstanding. A number of guys have had difficult injuries," said Root.
"We turn up next week and hopefully go one step better. Should stand up well if he (Crawley) can find a couple of good innings going. He is a top player," he signed off.
(ANI inputs)
