In a significant blow to England's cricket team, young all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a hamstring injury. The 21-year-old, who impressed many with a composed fifty in the first ODI against India in Nagpur, felt pain in his upper left leg post-match, leading to a scan that confirmed a suspected tear. This injury is expected to sideline him for between four to six weeks, which unfortunately coincides with the tournament's schedule.
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Bethell's absence is a major setback for England, as the left-handed batter not only adds depth to the batting lineup but also contributes with his left-arm spin bowling. His dual skills have made him a key player for England in all formats since his debut in September. Captain Jos Buttler expressed his disappointment, noting Bethell's recent performances and his potential impact on the team.
In response to this injury, England has called up Tom Banton as cover for the remainder of the India series and potentially for the Champions Trophy. Banton, who last played an ODI for England in 2020, has been in fine form in T20 franchise cricket, particularly in the UAE ILT20, where he was the leading run-scorer with 493 runs representing Mumbai Indians.
This development has forced England to rethink their strategy for the Champions Trophy, with Banton likely stepping into Bethell's shoes. The team will need to adapt quickly to maintain their competitive edge in the tournament, set to commence on February 19 in Pakistan.
