Tom Banton steps in for injured Jacob Bethell ahead of ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025.
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In a significant development for England’s cricket team, Tom Banton has been named as the replacement for Jacob Bethell in the squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. Bethell, who was initially part of the squad, has been ruled out due to a left hamstring injury sustained during the ongoing ODI series against India.
Jacob Bethell’s promising start cut short
Jacob Bethell had made a notable impact in the series against India, scoring an impressive half-century in the opening match. His performance had raised expectations for his contributions in the Champions Trophy.
However, the unfortunate injury has sidelined him, prompting the selectors to look for a suitable replacement. Bethell’s absence will be felt, especially given his recent form and potential to perform on the international stage.
Tom Banton’s impressive form in T20
Tom Banton, on the other hand, has been in remarkable form during the current International League T20 season in the UAE. The 26-year-old batsman has accumulated a staggering 493 runs from just 11 innings, boasting an impressive average of 54.77. His performance includes two centuries, making him the leading run-scorer in the competition. This outstanding display of skill and consistency has earned him a well-deserved spot in the Champions Trophy squad.
England’s updated Champions Trophy squad
With Banton’s inclusion, England’s updated squad for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy now features a blend of experienced players and emerging talents. The squad includes:
- Jos Buttler (c)
- 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
As the tournament approaches, England fans will be eager to see how the team performs, especially with the group stage fixtures set to kick off on February 22 against Australia in Lahore. Following that, they will face Afghanistan on February 26 and South Africa on March 1, both in Lahore and Karachi respectively.
