{
  "id": 9622266,
  "title": "Buttler injury halts England as Sri Lanka level series",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/buttler-injury-halts-england-as-sri-lanka-level-series-9622266",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-24T20:15:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Sport",
    "slug": "bbc-sport",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/articles/cw804nd022elo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the second one-day international at Headingley, Sri Lanka secured a 16-run victory over England, leveling the series. England's innings concluded at 306-9, while Sri Lanka scored 321-6, with captain Kusal Mendis contributing 122 runs. Former England captain Harry Brook expressed disappointment with his team's performance, acknowledging Sri Lanka's exceptional batting in the final overs. Jos Buttler, who scored 69 runs before suffering a hamstring injury, was the only bright spot for England. Despite his strong start, including taking down spinners with ease, Buttler was unable to reach his target. Sri Lanka's wicketkeepers and seamers dominated England's lower order, imposing reverse swing to scupper the visitors' chase. Brook highlighted the importance of the upcoming decider in the series at The Oval for England's World Cup preparations.",
  "summary": "Sri Lanka have levelled their one-day international series against England after a 16-run win in the second match at Headingley. England were on course to chase down a target of 322 until Jos Buttler retired hurt on 67 with a hamstring tweak. He later returned to the crease but was barely able to move and was eventually dismissed for 69.\n\nEngland had earlier made a strong start with Tom Banton and Ben Duckett putting on 143, but they collapsed to 3-14. Buttler then hit five sixes off Sri Lanka's spinners to put England back on course. However, Sri Lanka's seamers used reverse swing to restrict England's lower order.\n\nSri Lanka had made 321-6, with Kusal Mendis scoring 121 and Kamindu making 54. The series will now be decided in the final match at The Oval on Sunday.",
  "key_points": [
    "Sri Lanka wins 16-run series tie against England",
    "Kusal Mendis scores 122 runs in Sri Lanka's victory",
    "Jos Buttler injures hamstring, exits match"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Buttler injury halts England as Sri Lanka level series",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/buttler-injury-halts-england-as-sri-lanka-level-series",
        "published": "2026-09-24T19:41:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}