Jos Buttler endures rough outing on emotional night
The Hundred 2025 season has witnessed its share of thrilling matches and impressive performances, but on August 9 (Saturday), the focus was on Jos Buttler as he endured a tough outing on an emotional night. The wicketkeeper-batter, who is known for his explosive batting, got out for a four-ball duck in Manchester Originals’ clash against Oval Invincibles at Emirates Old Trafford. The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, but it was made even more challenging for Buttler due to the emotional context surrounding the match.
As the players took to the field, it was clear that the Manchester Originals were playing with a heavy heart. The entire squad was wearing black armbands in memory of Buttler’s late father, who had passed away recently. The emotional weight of the occasion was palpable, and it was evident that the players were trying to stay focused on the game while also honoring the memory of Buttler’s father.
Buttler’s dismal outing was a stark contrast to his usual performances, which have always been marked by his aggressive approach and ability to take the game away from the opposition. However, on this particular night, he struggled to find his rhythm, and his four-ball duck was a testament to the difficulties he faced. The lack of runs from Buttler’s bat put additional pressure on the rest of the Originals’ batsmen, and it ultimately proved to be a decisive factor in the match.
Despite the disappointing performance, Buttler’s teammates were quick to rally around him and offer their support. The emotional context of the match made it difficult for the players to celebrate their victory, and they acknowledged that the real focus should be on Buttler and his personal struggles. The team’s captain, Phil Salt, praised Buttler’s courage in taking to the field despite the difficult circumstances and emphasized the importance of staying strong for his family and friends.
“It’s an incredibly tough situation for Jos, and we’re all here for him,” Salt said in a post-match interview. “We know that he’s going through a tough time, and we’re doing our best to support him. He’s an incredible player, and he’s going to come out of this stronger. We’re all here for him, and we’re going to do everything we can to help him get through this.”
The Manchester Originals’ management also released a statement paying tribute to Buttler’s father and expressing their condolences to the family. The statement read: “The Manchester Originals would like to extend their deepest condolences to Jos Buttler and his family on the loss of his father. We are all saddened by this news and want to acknowledge the difficult time that Jos and his family are going through. We will do everything we can to support Jos and his family during this challenging period.”
The Hundred 2025 season has already witnessed its share of dramatic twists and turns, but the emotional context of Buttler’s outing against Oval Invincibles added a new layer of complexity to the match. As the players and fans alike struggled to come to terms with the tragic loss of Buttler’s father, it was clear that the match would be remembered for more than just the result.
In the end, the Manchester Originals fell short by 20 runs, but the real victory was the display of solidarity and support shown by the team and the fans. As the players paid their respects to Buttler’s father, it was clear that the true heroes were not the ones who took to the field, but the ones who had to deal with the emotional toll of the match.
