Jacob Bethell Ruled Out of Champions Trophy 2025 Due to Hamstring Injury; Replacement Announced

England’s young batter Jacob Bethell will miss the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a hamstring injury. The 21-year-old got injured during the first ODI against India in Nagpur on February 6.

Bethell, who bats in the middle order, played well in that match, scoring 51 runs off 64 balls with three fours and a six. He also bowled three overs and took the wicket of Shreyas Iyer. However, his injury has now ruled him out of the Champions Trophy, which will be played in Pakistan.

England’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler confirmed the news after the second ODI against India in Cuttack. He said, “I’m pretty sure Bethell has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy. It’s really disappointing for him as he played well in the last game and is a promising player.”

England has not made an official statement yet, but they have called up Somerset batter Tom Banton as a replacement on the India tour. The 26-year-old has played six ODIs and 14 T20Is for England. His last ODI was in 2020 against Ireland.

Banton recently played in the ILT20 for MI Emirates, scoring 493 runs in 11 matches. He will now join the England squad for the Champions Trophy.

England will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Australia on February 22 in Lahore. They will then play Afghanistan on February 26 at the same venue before facing South Africa in Karachi on March 1.

England has never won the Champions Trophy. They finished as runners-up in 2004 and 2013 but will aim to lift their first title in 2025.