Image: Jacob Bethell will miss the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy due to a hamstring injury / © Sporting News
England’s team has been hit with a big setback as all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a hamstring injury. The 21-year-old, who has scored 218 runs in nine ODIs, sustained the injury during the first match against India at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on February 6. In that game, Bethell contributed 51 runs off 64 balls and also took the wicket of Shreyas Iyer.
England’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler confirmed Bethell’s absence, calling it a major disappointment as the youngster had been an exciting prospect for the tournament. As a replacement, England has included Somerset’s Tom Banton, who has played six ODIs and 14 T20Is. Banton, 26, last featured in England’s ODI squad in 2020 but recently scored 493 runs in the ILT20 2025. Jos Buttler said:
I’m pretty sure (Bethell) has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy, to be honest. That is really disappointing for him. Obviously, he played nicely the other day and has been one of the really exciting players. It’s a shame that injury is going to rule him out.
England will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Australia on February 22 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, followed by games against Afghanistan and South Africa. Despite winning the 2019 ODI World Cup, England has yet to claim a Champions Trophy title, finishing as runners-up in 2004 and 2013. Losing Bethell could impact their middle-order strength and bowling balance ahead of the crucial tournament.