ICC Champions Trophy 2025: England announce injured Jacob Bethell's replacement
Published - 11 Feb 2025, 05:17 PM | Updated - 11 Feb 2025, 05:18 PM
England's all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the third and final ODI in the ongoing series against India in away conditions. The left-handed batter will also miss the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be played in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 19.
The 21-year-old all-rounder, who made his ODI debut in September, scored 51 runs off 64 balls and took a wicket in his first ODI against India in Nagpur. However, an injury has forced him to miss the rest of the ongoing series. His absence is a significant setback for England ahead of the marquee event.
This is Really Unfortunate for Jacob Bethell - Jos Buttler
England have called up Tom Banton to replace the injured Jacob Bethell for the ongoing ODI series. Speaking after England's loss in the second ODI, captain Jos Buttler had expressed disappointment over Bethell's injury, saying it was unfortunate that he would miss the prestigious tournament.
"I am quite certain that Jacob is out of the Champions Trophy. This is really unfortunate for him as he played well in the last game and is a talented cricketer," said Buttler.
England Request ICC to Replace Jacob Bethell with Tom Banton
England has not yet made an official statement regarding Jacob Bethell’s injury, but more details are expected soon. The deadline for making changes to the Champions Trophy squad is February 12, with the tournament scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan and the UAE.
According to the latest reports, England have submitted a request to the ICC to replace Bethell with Tom Banton in the Champions Trophy 2025. Banton is likely to play in the upcoming final ODI against the Rohit Sharma-led side, especially with Jamie Smith's availability still uncertain due to a calf injury.
England Set to Begin Champions Trophy 2025 Campaign on February 22
The third ODI between England and India will take place on Wednesday, February 12, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Jacob Bethell has played for England in 3 Tests, 9 ODIs, and 10 T20Is. He has scored 260 runs in Tests at an average of 52.00, including three fifties. Bethell has 218 runs in ODIs at an average of 31.14 with two half-centuries, while he has made 196 runs in T20Is at an average of 32.66 and a strike rate of 147.36.
The Champions Trophy will feature eight teams. Group A consists of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B includes England, South Africa, Afghanistan, and Australia. Pakistan will host most matches, while India will play all their games in Dubai as part of a hybrid model.
The semi-finals are scheduled for March 4 and 5, with the final on March 9.
England will begin their campaign on February 22 against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. They will then face Afghanistan on February 26 in Lahore, before concluding their group stage against South Africa on March 1 at the National Stadium in Karachi.
