Jos Buttler, the captain of England’s white-ball team, is out of this year’s Hundred due to a calf injury.
Originally slated to captain the runners-up team from the previous season, Buttler has withdrew after missing the team’s first three games, all of which resulted in losses.
Due to a calf ailment, the 33-year-old also missed a significant portion of the 2022 Hundred season.
From September 11 to 29, England’s white-ball team will play three T20s and five one-day internationals against Australia.
Despite criticism when they couldn’t win either of the limited-overs World Cups, Buttler will stay as captain.
Matthew Mott has stepped down as head coach, with assistant coach Marcus Trescothick put in temporary charge for the Australia series.
Buttler’s withdrawal is not only a blow to the Originals, who were beaten by Oval Invincibles in last year’s final, but the competition itself.
The England and Wales Cricket Board are due to sell stakes in the eight teams in the autumn and this year’s tournament is a final showcase to attract investment.