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December 22, 2024
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In a significant development ahead of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and the forthcoming white-ball tour of India, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has unveiled its One Day International (ODI) squad. The announcement, made on December 22, 2024, marks a strategic return of some key players while also highlighting the absence of a prominent figure due to injury.
At the helm in Jos Buttler, who will continue to captain both the ODI and T20I teams. The squad sees the return of Joe Root to the ODI series for the first time since England’s campaign in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Root known for his consistent performances in Test cricket, is set to bolster England’s middle order with his experience and skill, having scored 6,522 runs in 171 ODIs at an impressive average of 47.60. His inclusion is seen as a critical move, especially considering his last ODI appearance was against Pakistan during the World Cup.
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
— England's Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) December 22, 2024
England have announced their squads to tour India and for the Champions Trophy 🏴 pic.twitter.com/93Z8vRgE3y
However, the Squad announcement also brings a note of caution with the absence of Ben Stokes. The all-rounder, who had briefly come out of ODI retirement for the 2023 World Cup, is sidelined due to a left hamstring injury sustained during England’s recent Test series against New Zealand. His recovery is under close watch by the ECB’s medical team, with an eye on ensuring his fitness for future commitments, including a significant Test series against India and the upcoming Ashes.
The squad also introduces fresh faces and acknowledges form and fitness. Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, and Jacob Bethell are among the pace options, with Archer’s return being particularly anticipated due to his ability to turn matches with his bowling. Harry Brook and Brydon Carse add depth to both batting and bowling, while Ben Duckett and Jamie Overton bring versatility. The inclusion of young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed in the T20I squad further indicates England’s focus on youth and agility.
The tour of India, scheduled to begin with T20Is on January 22, 2025, followed by ODIs from February 6, serves as vital preparation for the Champions Trophy. This tournament, set to be conducted in a hybrid format due to security concerns over India’s participation in Pakistan, will see England aiming to reclaim their form after a disappointing 2023 World Cup where they couldn’t defend their title.
This squad selection reflects England’s strategy to blend experience with emerging talent, aiming to strike a balance that could lead to success in both and bilateral series and the prestigious Champions Trophy. The return of Joe Root in particularly symbolic, suggesting England’s intent to leverage seasoned players in crucial games. However, the absence of Ben Stokes, a pivotal figure in England’s cricketing narrative, poses a challenge that the team will need to navigate. As the cricketing world watches, England’s performance in India will be a precursor to what might unfold in the Champions Trophy, setting the stage for what could be an exciting chapter in their cricketing journey.
Jos Buttler (C), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt and Mark Wood.
Jos Buttler (C), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt and Mark Wood.