ISLAMABAD
England’s preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 have also been hit by an injury bug, with rising all-rounder Jacob Bethell ruled out of his first international tournament due to a hamstring injury. The 21-year-old sustained the ailment during his side’s ongoing ODI series against India.
Bethell, who made his ODI debut in September, suffered the injury in Nagpur during the first ODI. Before being sidelined, the 21-year-old impressed with a 51-run knock and the key wicket of Shreyas Iyer, showcasing his potential as an all-rounder. England promptly replaced him in the ongoing series with Tom Banton, but Bethell’s absence for the Champions Trophy is a significant loss.
Speaking after England’s defeat to India, captain Jos Buttler hinted that Jacob Bethell’s tournament hopes were over, saying:
“I’m pretty sure he’s been ruled out of the Champions Trophy. It’s really disappointing for him—he played nicely the other day and has been one of our most exciting young players.”
England has yet to officially confirm Bethell’s exclusion from the squad, but with the February 12 squad deadline approaching, his replacement may be named soon.
Jacob Bethell’s injury is just one of several issues plaguing England ahead of the February 22 tournament opener against Australia. Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith remains doubtful with a calf injury, having not played a match in the India series so far. The situation became so dire that assistant coaches Marcus Trescothick and Paul Collingwood were used as substitute fielders during the most recent ODI in Cuttack.
With Jacob Bethell sidelined and Smith struggling, England’s depth is being tested. While Banton has been drafted in, the 26-year-old hasn’t played an international match since 2022, raising concerns about his match readiness.
England’s Champions Trophy campaign will see them face Australia on February 22, followed by clashes with Afghanistan on February 26 and South Africa on March 1. With squad uncertainty looming, Jos Buttler’s men must find swift solutions before heading to Pakistan for the high-stakes tournament.
