Ben Stokes Excluded from India ODIs and Champions Trophy; Joe Root Rejoins as England Unveils 15-Man Squad

Ben Stokes Excluded from India ODIs and Champions Trophy; Joe Root Rejoins as England Unveils 15-Man Squad

5 hours ago | 5 Views

England's Test captain, Ben Stokes, has been excluded from participation in the 2024 Champions Trophy and the forthcoming white-ball tour of India due to a left hamstring injury sustained during the third Test against New Zealand in Hamilton earlier this month. The England team management announced on Sunday that Stokes would not be available for either event, citing concerns regarding his fitness and the potential for further injury.

Stokes was unable to participate in England's second innings during their significant 423-run defeat in Hamilton. Despite this heavy loss, England secured victory in the three-match Test series with a final score of 2-1. To safeguard his injury, Stokes chose not to bat, avoiding any actions that could worsen his condition.

With a demanding schedule approaching, which includes a five-match Test series at home against India in June and the 2025/26 Ashes tour in Australia, the England management has opted to prioritize Stokes' long-term health over immediate commitments.

While Stokes will be absent from both the Champions Trophy and the tour of India, key batsman Joe Root returns to the ODI squad for the first time since the 2023 World Cup in India. Fast bowler Mark Wood, who had been recovering from a bone-stress injury to his right elbow, also makes his comeback in both the ODI and T20 squads.

Despite England's recent difficulties in limited-overs cricket, having lost both their 50-over and T20 World Cup titles since November 2023, Jos Buttler continues to lead the white-ball teams. However, Buttler’s role as wicketkeeper may be at risk, with the addition of two other wicketkeepers – Jamie Smith, who was absent from the New Zealand series due to personal reasons, and Phil Salt.

Emerging talent Jacob Bethell, who made a notable impression during his debut Test series in New Zealand, is included in both squads, while leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed joins the T20 team. The England squad is set to depart for India on January 17, with the first T20I against India scheduled for January 22 in Kolkata.

The England One Day International squad for the tour of India and the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

The following players are included in the squad: Jos Buttler (captain/wicketkeeper), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt (wicketkeeper), and Mark Wood.

The T20 team is representing England on the India tour.

The following players are included in the squad: Jos Buttler (captain/wicketkeeper), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt (wicketkeeper), and Mark Wood.

Read Also: Rohit Sharma Employs Baseball Bat in Distinct Training Exercise Amidst Rising Pressure Before MCG Test

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!

#