England’s selectors are considering recalling Joe Root and Ben Stokes for the 2025 Champions Trophy despite their absence from 50-over cricket since last year’s World Cup. Both players are currently unavailable due to rest and injury, respectively, and will miss the upcoming ODI series against Australia and the tour to the West Indies.
The Champions Trophy, scheduled for mid-February in Pakistan, will provide England with a crucial opportunity to prepare for the tournament. The team will play three ODIs in India at the start of the month, which will be the only chance for Root, Stokes, and other all-format players like Chris Woakes and Mark Wood to gain experience in the 50-over format before the tournament.
England’s selector, Luke Wright, emphasized the importance of fielding a strong team for the Champions Trophy. “We’ll want to be as strong as possible,” Wright said. “There’s no Test cricket around at that point, so it gives us an opportunity to play our strongest team.”
Despite Root’s struggles at the World Cup, Wright defended the decision to rest him against Australia, citing his heavy workload in recent years. “He’s given a lot to English cricket,” Wright said. “There’s no reason why he can’t then come into the major tournaments… we know how important Joe is to the England team.”
Wright acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to the 50-over format, which English players rarely play. “It’s a challenge for everyone, isn’t it? And even more so for us in England… Those top players are able to adapt as well as possible, as I don’t think it’s as big a problem for them as it would be for some of the others.”
England have dropped Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow from both their T20I and ODI squads, but Wright denied that their international careers are over. “They’re disappointed to miss out,” he said. “I certainly won’t be saying that that’s the end for them. They’re fine cricketers, but right now, we just want to give some other opportunities.”
Jos Buttler remains as captain despite England’s recent struggles in white-ball cricket. He is under pressure heading into the Australia series and may hand over the wicketkeeping duties to Phil Salt in the T20Is. Wright indicated that Buttler is considering fielding at mid-off to be closer to his bowlers.
Wright emphasized the need to restore energy to the white-ball set-up after two disappointing World Cup campaigns. “I wouldn’t say [things have been] stale,” Wright said. “Those guys have given us some of the best times we’ve had in white-ball cricket. It’s life… It’s a great time now: without a World Cup just round the corner as there hasn’t been for a while is an opportunity to blood some new players.”
England’s squad for the Australia ODIs includes three uncapped players: Jacob Bethell, Josh Hull, and John Turner. Wright highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for younger players in the 50-over format.
