England white-ball captain Jos Buttler is out of this year’s Hundred competition with a calf injury.
Buttler was due to lead last year’s runners-up Manchester Originals but has now withdrawn after missing their first three matches, which have all ended in defeat.
The 33-year-old also missed much of the 2022 Hundred campaign because of a calf injury.
England’s white-ball side are next in action with three T20s and five one-day internationals against Australia between 11-29 September.
Buttler is to remain as captain, despite coming under scrutiny after they failed to defend either of the limited-overs World Cups.
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.