Jacob Bethell Ruled Out of Champions Trophy Due to Injury, Tom Banton Called Up as Replacement
England’s rising star Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the upcoming Champions Trophy due to a hamstring injury. The 21-year-old all-rounder, who impressed in the first ODI against India with a half-century, will not be available for the prestigious 50-over tournament, which will take place in Pakistan and Dubai starting February 19.
England’s captain, Jos Buttler, expressed his disappointment after Bethell missed the second ODI against India, a match in which England suffered a four-wicket defeat. Buttler confirmed that Bethell’s injury would keep him out of the Champions Trophy, adding, “That’s really disappointing for him. He has been one of the really exciting players, and it’s a shame that this injury is going to rule him out.”
Tom Banton to Join England Squad
To replace Bethell, the England team has called up Somerset batsman Tom Banton. Banton, who is a wicketkeeper-batsman, has played six ODIs for England and brings solid experience with a top score of 58. The 26-year-old will join the squad ahead of the third and final ODI against India in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. Banton was scheduled to arrive in India on Monday to meet up with the team.
Read Also:- Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood Ruled Out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Bethell’s Injury and Impact on England’s Squad
Bethell, who scored 51 runs in the first ODI loss to India, had been showing promise but now faces a setback due to the hamstring issue. England had hoped he could contribute further in the ongoing series against India, but his absence means they will have to adjust their plans for the Champions Trophy. The deadline for submitting final squads for the tournament is February 12.
The Champions Trophy, one of cricket’s premier 50-over tournaments, kicks off on February 19. England will face World Cup winners Australia in their opening match, which is expected to be a highly anticipated encounter. With Bethell out of contention, England will need to find a way to fill the gap left by his absence.
As for Banton, he will be hoping to make an impact in the series finale against India and possibly earn a spot in England’s squad for the Champions Trophy.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the latest in cricket news at UC Cricket, your go-to source for all the latest sports updates, including cricket, football, NBA, NFL, and much more.
FAQs
- Why is Jacob Bethell not playing in the Champions Trophy?
Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to a hamstring injury. - Who is replacing Jacob Bethell in the England squad?
Somerset’s Tom Banton has been called up to replace Bethell in the England squad. - When does the Champions Trophy begin?
The Champions Trophy starts on February 19, 2025, in Pakistan and Dubai. - What injury did Jacob Bethell suffer?
Bethell sustained a hamstring injury, which caused him to miss the second ODI against India and ruled him out of the Champions Trophy. - When will Tom Banton join the England squad?
Tom Banton is scheduled to arrive in India on Monday and will join the England squad ahead of the third ODI in Ahmedabad.
