England captain Buttler fit for Australia T20s

AFP / Aamir Qureshi

England captain Jos Buttler has declared himself fit for Sunday's opening Twenty20 International against Australia after recovering from a calf injury.

However, Liam Livingstone's ankle injury makes the all-rounder doubtful for their World Cup opener later this month.

Buttler, recovering from a nagging calf injury, watched from the sidelines as England beat Pakistan 4-3 before flying into Australia, where they play three 20-overs matches against the world champions.

"I'm back to 100 per cent," Buttler told reporters in Perth on Saturday.

"Had a good time in Pakistan rehabbing, probably could have played earlier, but with the World Cup around the corner, it was the right thing to do."

Buttler's return to the playing XI means Alex Hales and Phil Salt would vie with each other for the second opener's slot.

"We have great options at the top of the order with guys in really good form in Pakistan," Buttler said.

"They're both excellent options. Whoever I partner with will have a great go at it."

While England would welcome Buttler back into the squad, concern remains about white-ball star Livingstone's availability for their October 22 World Cup opener against Afghanistan.

"(He) is still a little way off at the minute, so he's building back," Buttler said.

"Hopefully, he'll get back to full fitness before the start of the World Cup."

Buttler also said all-rounder and test captain Ben Stokes would bat higher in their lineup.

"Ben Stokes is someone we want to try to give as much opportunity to impact the game as possible," Buttler said.

"Try to get him up the order as high as we can, give him as much responsibility as possible and allow him to play his way to get the best out of him."

More from Sports

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • Nights on Dubai Eye 103.8

    10:00pm - 11:00pm

    Dubai Eye complements the conversation with the music you love from the eighties, nineties and newer.

  • Nights on Dubai Eye 103.8

    11:00pm - 10:00am

    Dubai Eye complements the conversation with the music you love from the eighties, nineties and newer.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Flying Taxis

    It sounds like an episode of The Jetsons, but the sight of flying taxis whizzing around our cities could be much closer than you think.

  • Tough penalties for deliberate tax evasion

    The UAE has said that tougher penalties will come into force from 1st August for not keeping proper corporate tax records.