Jos Buttler is expected to return to the England side on Sunday for the first of three Twenty20 internationals against Australia, ending nearly two months out with a calf injury. The match in Perth marks the start of England's final preparations for the T20 World Cup, with the squad having assembled in Australia after travelling from Pakistan or England.
Buttler was present for each of England's seven games in Pakistan without playing, with Moeen Ali captaining the side and Phil Salt opening and keeping wicket. Salt may continue in both roles even after Buttler's return, though he spent Friday's training session practising catches in the outfield. The team has adopted a more relaxed training schedule in Australia, with sessions no longer compulsory.
England face an understrength Australia side, with Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Glenn Maxwell remaining on the east coast. The Australian squad will fly to Perth on Saturday, play on Sunday, and leave again on Monday, with the rested players rejoining in Canberra.
Salt's battle with Alex Hales for a spot at the top of the order is a key subplot. Salt said the team has had no conversations about a settled lineup, adding: 'Things change very quickly in sport... I'm just looking to play the best cricket I can and hopefully I'm in the XI.'
Australia's form player Cameron Green was left out of their initial World Cup squad, though teams can alter squads until next Sunday. After captain Aaron Finch dismissed the idea of Green's inclusion, Green's four-ball duck on Friday will not have helped his case.
