England To Replace Injured Jacob Bethell With This Player In Champions Trophy

England had poor preparation before the Champions Trophy as they faced two defeats against India in Nagpur and Cuttack during the ongoing series. Their bowling line-up didn’t click in both the defenses as they now find themselves under the fitness issue.

The Jos Buttler-led side lacks all-around flexibility and has become more rigid with the injury news of Jacob Bethell missing the ICC mega event due to a suspected hamstring tear.

Jos Buttler confirms Jacob Bethell’s absence in the Champions Trophy

On the eve of the third 50-over clash against the Rohit Sharma-led side at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, England’s captain, Jos Buttler, confirmed that Bethell won’t be part of the eight-team tournament.

Also Read: Jacob Bethell Ruled Out Due To Injury, Jos Buttler Confirms Ahead Of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

“I’m pretty sure he’s been ruled out of the Champions Trophy, to be honest. That’s disappointing for him. He played nicely the other day [in Nagpur] and is a really exciting player. So it’s a shame that injury is going to rule him out.” Leader Buttler mentioned after their four-wicket defeat during the second ODI in Cuttack.

Bethell is only 21 and has featured in 10 T20Is and nine ODIs. The left-handed batter has clubbed 218 runs in eight ODI innings at an average of 31.14 and a strike rate of 80.14 with the help of two half-centuries at the best score of 55 runs.

During the opening fixture at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, England was struggling at 111/4, losing Joe Root as the last batter. Bethell put up a 59-run stand with the captain and smashed a fine 51-run knock in just 64 deliveries, shouldering on three boundaries and one six at a strike rate of nearly 80.

Even though the spin all-rounder is not the first-choice player of the side, he is a handy batter for fulfilling all sorts of roles in the eleven. Also, he was one of only two left-handed batters in the 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy and could have done the job anywhere from opening to number seven.

Along with the specialist spinner, Adil Rashid, only Liam Livingstone and Joe Root are two players capable of bowling spin, alongside six- right-arm pace bowling options.

England recalls Tom Banton as Jacob Bethell’s replacement

England has called up Tom Banton for the final ODI against India and submitted his name to the ICC technical committee. He is highly likely to feature in the Ahmedabad ODI on February 11.

Baton is a good value for his first call-up in three years. The 26-year-old has featured in five ODIs to smashed 134 runs at an average of 26.80 and a strike rate of 92..41 with the best score of 58. His last game for the national side in the format came in 2020 against Ireland at the Rose Bowl ground in Southampton.

The wicket-keeper batter is in really good touch during the 2025 season of the International League T20 with the MI Emirates to collect 493 runs in 11 innings at an average of 54.77 and a strike rate of 151.69, shouldering on three half-centuries and two centuries at the best score of 105.

Also Read: Ex-India Star Predicts Playing XI vs England In 3rd ODI; Ignores This Southpaw

But he is no like-for-like replacement for Bethell and leaves England short on options. Being part of the Kolkata Knight Riders under Brendon McCullum’s coaching, the former New Zealand captain knows the batter’s ability.

England’s Updated Squad For Champions Trophy 2025

Jos Buttler (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood.