England seal Sri Lanka ODI series before Jos Buttler ruled out of Pakistan tri-series

England ended their home international summer with a convincing series victory over Sri Lanka, but attention has quickly turned to Jos Buttler after the former captain was ruled out of next month’s ODI tri-series in Pakistan with a hamstring injury.

Harry Brook’s side secured a 2-1 ODI series win with a dominant 223-run victory at the Kia Oval on Sunday, completing an impressive white-ball campaign against Sri Lanka after England had already won all three T20 internationals earlier in September.

The result gave England five victories from six matches against Sri Lanka across the two formats and provided another encouraging result as preparations continue towards the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Tom Banton century leads England to series victory

With the ODI series level at 1-1 following Sri Lanka’s victory at Headingley, England produced their strongest batting display of the series in the decider.

Tom Banton struck a career-best 126 from 105 deliveries for his maiden ODI century, while Jordan Cox made 76 from 52 balls and captain Brook added 77 from 66 as England reached 355-7 from their 50 overs.

Sri Lanka never threatened to complete what would have been a record chase. Sonny Baker removed Pathum Nissanka early before England worked through the visiting batting order, with Sri Lanka slipping from 36-1 to 82-6.

Kusal Mendis top-scored with 35, but Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 132 as Liam Dawson returned figures of 3-26 to help complete a 223-run England victory.

It was an emphatic response after England had allowed the series to be levelled three days earlier at Headingley. Sri Lanka made 321-5 in Leeds, led by Kusal Mendis’ 121, before restricting England to a 16-run defeat despite strong contributions from Banton, Ben Duckett and Buttler.

England had opened the ODI series with an 89-run victory at Banks Homes Riverside before the Headingley defeat, meaning their success at the Kia Oval secured a second series win over Sri Lanka in the space of little more than a week.

Jos Buttler ruled out of Pakistan tri-series

The victory at the Kia Oval came without Buttler, who had already been ruled out of the deciding ODI after suffering a hamstring injury during England’s defeat at Headingley.

Buttler had looked capable of taking England towards victory in the second ODI and reached his half-century from 36 balls before pulling up while running between the wickets. He initially retired hurt before returning later in the innings, but was visibly restricted by the injury.

The injury kept him out of Sunday’s series decider and it has now been confirmed that the 36-year-old will also miss England’s upcoming ODI tri-series in Pakistan.

England are scheduled to face both Pakistan and Sri Lanka during the competition, which runs from 18 to 31 October in Rawalpindi and Lahore. Brook’s side face Pakistan on 20 and 25 October, with meetings against Sri Lanka on 22 and 29 October before the top two teams contest the final on 31 October.

Buttler’s absence removes one of England’s most experienced white-ball players from another important block of ODI cricket. The tri-series forms part of preparations for the 2027 World Cup in southern Africa, with England continuing to build their 50-over side under Brook.

Banton’s performances against Sri Lanka have at least provided England with further evidence of the batting depth available to them. His century in the series decider followed scores of 73 at Headingley and a half-century during the T20 series, while Cox also strengthened his case with another aggressive innings at the Kia Oval.

England’s white-ball schedule continues into 2027

England’s focus on ODI cricket will continue throughout 2027, with a substantial home white-ball programme scheduled ahead of the World Cup.

Pakistan will return to England for a five-match ODI series beginning at the Utilita Bowl on Saturday 15 May. The series will then visit Emirates Old Trafford on 19 May, Headingley on 21 May, Banks Homes Riverside on 23 May and Sophia Gardens on 26 May.

New Zealand will then tour England in September for three T20 internationals and five ODIs. The T20 series will take place at Banks Homes Riverside, Emirates Old Trafford and Sophia Gardens, before the ODI series concludes with matches including Trent Bridge on 22 September and Headingley on 25 September.

The ECB has confirmed that England are scheduled to play ten home ODIs during the 2027 summer as preparations intensify ahead of the World Cup.

England Cricket hospitality in 2027

Cricket supporters can experience England’s 2027 home internationals with official hospitality packages from Eventmasters, with selected fixtures against Pakistan and New Zealand taking place at some of the country’s leading cricket venues.

Hospitality experiences are set to be available across fixtures at venues including the Utilita Bowl, Emirates Old Trafford, Headingley, Banks Homes Riverside, Sophia Gardens and Trent Bridge, combining premium match seating with a range of corporate hospitality facilities and dining options.

Register your interest with Eventmasters for England Cricket hospitality in 2027 and watch England continue their preparations for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in premium surroundings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Did England win the ODI series against Sri Lanka?

Yes. England won the three-match ODI series 2-1, sealing the series with a 223-run victory at the Kia Oval on Sunday 27 September 2026.

How did England perform against Sri Lanka across the whole white-ball tour?

England won the T20 series 3-0 before taking the ODI series 2-1, giving them five victories from six matches against Sri Lanka.

Why will Jos Buttler miss England’s tri-series in Pakistan?

Buttler suffered a hamstring injury during England’s second ODI against Sri Lanka at Headingley. He missed the series decider at the Kia Oval and has since been ruled out of the ODI tri-series involving England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Who will England face at home in white-ball cricket in 2027?

England Men will host Pakistan for five ODIs in May before facing New Zealand in three T20 internationals and five ODIs during September.

Can I register my interest in England Cricket hospitality for 2027 with Eventmasters?

Yes. Eventmasters will offer premium hospitality experiences for selected England Cricket fixtures during the 2027 international summer. You can register your interest to receive further information about available packages and hospitality options.