Joe Root and Ben Stokes are set to be considered for England’s 2025 Champions Trophy squad, despite not playing a 50-over match since the 2022 World Cup. The two all-format players are not involved in the upcoming five-match ODI series against Australia and will also miss the November tour to West Indies due to England’s Test tours to Pakistan and New Zealand.
The Champions Trophy, scheduled to begin in mid-February in Pakistan, will be a crucial tournament for Root and Stokes, who will face a similar challenge to the one they encountered at the World Cup. At the time, Root struggled for form, averaging 30.66 as England crashed out of the tournament.
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However, selector Luke Wright has defended the decision to rest him against Australia, citing the need to manage his workload and avoid burnout.
Root and Stokes are both set to play in the SA20, a South African franchise T20 league that runs from January 9 to February 8. They are likely to miss January’s T20I series in India but will arrive for the ODIs, which start on February 6. Wright believes that the duo’s experience in the SA20 will help them prepare for the Champions Trophy.
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However, England’s selection conundrum is not limited to Root and Stokes. The team has also dropped Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow from both their T20I and ODI squads, although Wright has denied that their international careers are over. “They’re fine cricketers, but right now, we just want to give some other opportunities,” he said.
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Jos Buttler has retained the captaincy despite England’s recent struggles in white-ball cricket. However, he is under pressure ahead of September’s series against Australia and may hand over the gloves to Phil Salt during the three T20Is.
Buttler is also considering fielding at mid-off to be near his bowlers in the absence of Moeen and Chris Jordan.
England’s selection shake-up is a deliberate attempt to blood new players and look towards the future. “It’s an exciting time for everyone to watch and see how that builds going forward,” Wright said. The team has picked three uncapped players for September’s Australia ODIs – Jacob Bethell, Josh Hull, and John Turner – and will continue to give opportunities to young players.
Joe and Stokes are set to be considered for England’s 2025 Champions Trophy squad, despite not playing a 50-over match since the 2022 World Cup.