WI vs ENG: Liam Livingstone to Lead England in ODI Series as Jos Buttler Suffers Minor Setback

Liam Livingstone has been named England's ODI skipper for the upcoming series in the Caribbean as regular captain Jos Buttler has suffered a minor setback on his return from an injury.

Buttler had initially been slated to make his return to cricket, having missed action since England's exit from the T20 World Cup 2024 in June. However, his comeback has been delayed as he continues to recover from persistent calf injury.

The 34-year-old had missed the entire Manchester Originals' Hundred campaign and subsequently withdrew from the T20I and ODI series against Australia in September.

According to the ECB, he has suffered a slight setback in his rehabilitation and will now travel directly to Barbados ahead of the five-match T20I series starting on November 9.

Buttler's prolonged absence raises questions about his international future, despite assurances from Brendon McCullum, England's incoming white-ball coach, and the interim white-ball coach Marcus Trescothick.

In Buttler's absence, Livingstone has been appointed as England's ODI captain, marking his first opportunity in this role. Harry Brook, who captained the ODIs against Australia in Buttler's absence, is currently in Rawalpindi preparing for the third Test against Pakistan.

England will decide on a replacement player soon. They had also planned to add two extra players to the tour in addition to their 14-member squad for the West Indies tour following the selection for the third Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Jordan Cox, who made his white-ball debut against Australia, and leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed are the likely candidates to be flown into the Caribbean to link up with the rest of the contingent.

England ODI Squad vs West Indies 2024

Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell, Jafer Chohan, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone (captain), Saqib Mahmood, Dan Mousley, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, John Turner.

England will open the tour to the Caribbean on October 31st with ODI series opener in Antigua, where the second ODI also will be staged on November 2 before action shifts to Barbados for the third and final ODI on November 6.

West Indies v England ODI Series 2024 Schedule

• Thursday 31 October: 1st ODI - Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua - 11:30 PM IST
• Saturday 2 November: 2nd ODI - Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua - 7 PM IST
• Wednesday 6 November: 3rd ODI - Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados - 11:30 PM IST