England without Buttler for 4th India test

England wicketkeeper and vice captain Jos Buttler will miss the fourth cricket test against India as he prepares for the birth of his second child, but allrounder Chris Woakes has been passed fit to rejoin the squad after injury.
England announced its 15-man squad.

“We would like to wish Jos and his family all the very best for the impending birth of their second child. Unfortunately, he will miss this test, and we’ll then see if he returns for the final test,” England head coach Chris Silverwood said.

The fourth of five tests starts on Thursday at The Oval, with the series level at 1-1 following England’s innings victory at Headingley, according to The Associated Press.

Buttler has been light on runs in the first three matches, with a top score of 25, but his wicketkeeping has been tidy with 18 catches under his belt. Veteran wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow is set to take up the gloves.

Woakes has not played a test in the past year, largely due to fitness issues, but is back in contention after making a successful comeback from his recent heel problem.

Pacer Mark Wood was unfit to play in the third test after sustaining a shoulder injury in the field at Lord’s and he will be assessed by team medics before a final decision on his availability.