With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, England faces intriguing decisions regarding the inclusion of two of their star players, Ben Stokes and Joe Root.
Both cricketers have been absent from ODI action since the 2023 World Cup due to injuries and other commitments, raising questions about their potential return to the prestigious tournament.
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Is Joe Root in England’s plans for the Champions Trophy?
Joe Root, who has not played an ODI since November 2023, remains a pivotal figure in England's cricketing setup.
Despite his recent absence from the upcoming ODI series against Australia, England’s chief selector, Luke Wright, has emphasized that Root is still very much in the selection frame.
“He’s given a lot to English cricket. There’s no reason why he can’t then come into the major tournament, we know how important Joe is to the England team," Luke Wright said in a press conference at Lord’s on August 27.
"He also offers us with the ball as well, and there’s not many that do that. With someone like Joe, we’ve got to look after him, we don’t want him to burn out,” he added.
Root's significant contributions to England's ODI history make his potential return highly anticipated. Although his form was underwhelming during the 2023 World Cup, averaging just 30.66, his track record keeps him a valuable asset for England.
Will Ben Stokes be ready for the Champions Trophy?
Ben Stokes, who has been recovering from a hamstring injury, is another crucial player under consideration for the Champions Trophy.
Stokes’s absence from September’s ODI series against Australia and the November tour to the West Indies is due to England's Test commitments.
The Champions Trophy, beginning in mid-February 2025, will offer Stokes an opportunity to rejoin the ODI setup. The pre-tournament ODIs in India will be vital for Stokes and Root to get match-ready.
Both are expected to play in a few ODIs against India before the Champions Trophy, though their participation in the SA20 could impact their availability for the T20Is against India.
