JOS BUTTLER left the England squad ahead of today’s T20 international against Pakistan with his wife about to give birth to their third child.

The England captain made a match-winning 84 on Saturday as England took a 1-0 lead in the rain-hit four-game series.

But Buttler will miss the third game of the series in Cardiff, with vice-captain Moeen Ali set to take over.

Moeen said last week that he is ready to lead England at the upcoming T20 World Cup if Buttler misses part of the tournament on paternity leave.

England play their World Cup opener against Scotland in Barbados on June 4 after the Pakistan series wraps up at the Kia Oval on Thursday.

Ben Duckett seems set to replace Buttler at the top of the order in Cardiff, with Will Jacks staying at three after his 23-ball 37 against Pakistan at Edgbaston on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Ireland head coach Heinrich Malan has signed a two-year contract extension through to mid-2027.

The 43-year-old’s new agreement will see him remain in charge as his side look to qualify for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, with the result of that campaign set to be settled before Malan’s new deal expires.

Malan, who initially agreed a three-year stay in January 2022, is preparing to lead Ireland at the T20 World Cup in the US, where Ireland first take on Sri Lanka in a Friday warm-up before their June 5 tournament opener against England.