England make major changes as Jacob Bethell suffers severe injury, Champions Trophy participation in doubt

The England national cricket team has suffered a major blow ahead of the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is just a few weeks away. Young all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the second ODI of the three-match series against India and is doubtful for the Champions Trophy 2025.

The Jos Buttler-led team suffered a four-wicket defeat in the first ODI in Nagpur. They made three changes to their playing XI for the second match, scheduled to be played at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Sunday, February 9. Jacob Bethell is one of four changes for the visiting team in the match.

Jacob Bethell Doubtful for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Participation

According to reports, Jacob Bethell is dealing with a hamstring injury and is a major doubt for the Champions Trophy. Tom Banton has been called up to the squad. Meanwhile, Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse are being rested, and Jamie Smith remains unavailable.

England (Playing XI): Philip Salt(w), Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler(c), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Saqib Mahmood

Jacob Bethell Is in India for the First Time

Jacob Bethell is in India for the first time. Bethell helped steady England's innings when they were at 111 for four with his second half-century. The left-handed batter showcased his composure and ability to accelerate. He scored eight off 27 balls, hit a pulled six off Hardik Pandya, and then scored 43 off 36 balls.

Brydon Carse was expensive with the ball during the series opener. The right-arm fast bowler conceded 52 runs in his five overs without taking any wickets. Jofra Archer picked up the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal with the new ball. Archer gave away 39 runs in his seven overs, including one maiden, in India’s run chase.

We Are Pushing in the Right Direction - Jos Buttler

After winning the toss, Jos Buttler expressed confidence in his team's progress. Buttler highlighted that they had a good start in the powerplay in the recent game, but a run-out shifted momentum. Buttler also confirmed that Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, and Jamie Overton returned to the playing XI.

"We are going to bat first today. We are pushing in the right direction, played better for longer and hopefully a good day today. Yeah of course, continuing the play we want to play and be smart as well," Buttler said.

"The two guys started well in the powerplay, the run-out sort of gifted them the momentum back. Looks dry, black soil. Hopefully a good crowd again have a good day. Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton come back into the XI," he concluded.

On the other hand, the India national cricket team made two changes to their lineup. Virat Kohli and Varun Chakravarthy have been included, while Yashasvi Jaiswal and Kuldeep Yadav are out. Varun made his debut for the Indian team in the 50-over format.

Also read: ICC World Test Championship Points Table, WTC Table After SL vs AUS 2nd Test 2025