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In a major disappointment for England cricket fans, young all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been officially ruled out of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a hamstring injury. This development comes as a blow to England’s preparations for the tournament, which is set to commence on February 19 in Pakistan.
Jacob Bethell’s promising start cut short
Bethell, who made his international debut in September last year, showcased his potential in the first One Day International (ODI) against India in Nagpur. The 21-year-old played a crucial knock, scoring a well-composed fifty. However, he experienced pain in his upper left leg post-match, leading to a scan that confirmed a suspected tear. He is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks.
Jos Buttler confirms Bethell’s exit from the tournament
England’s captain, Jos Buttler, confirmed the severity of the injury while speaking after England’s loss in the second ODI against India. Buttler reckoned that Bethell is one of the exciting players in the English lineup and his ruling out is indeed disappointing.
“I’m pretty sure (Bethell) has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy, to be honest. That’s really disappointing for him. Obviously, he played nicely the other day and has been one of the really exciting players. It’s a shame that injury is going to rule him out,” Buttler said during the post-match presentation.
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Impact on England’s squad
Bethell’s absence creates a void in England’s batting depth, spin options, and fielding strength. Known for his left-arm spin and exceptional fielding skills, he was expected to play a crucial role in England’s Champions Trophy campaign, which begins against Australia on February 22 in Lahore.
Top-order batter named as replacement
To cover for Bethell’s absence, England have drafted in Tom Banton as his replacement. Banton, who last represented England in 2022, offers strong top-order batting skills and can also provide wicketkeeping backup. He has been included in the squad for the remaining ODIs against India and is expected to feature in the Champions Trophy squad as well.
