Ben Stokes Ruled Out of Champions Trophy and India Tour
England’s Test captain Ben Stokes has been officially ruled out of the 2024 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the preceding white-ball series in India, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Sunday. The decision follows Stokes’ ongoing recovery from a hamstring injury sustained during England’s third Test loss to New Zealand in Hamilton earlier this month.
Stokes’ Absence Due to Injury
The 33-year-old all-rounder, a key figure in England’s cricket setup, was injured while bowling in New Zealand and did not bat during the second innings of the match, which England lost by 423 runs. While the team clinched the Test series 2-1, Stokes’ absence has been significant. He also missed this year’s series against Sri Lanka and the opening Test in Pakistan due to similar hamstring issues.
An ECB statement confirmed, “Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes was not considered for selection as he continues to be assessed following a left hamstring injury.”
With crucial fixtures ahead, including a five-Test home series against India in June and the 2025-26 Ashes in Australia, England’s management has opted to prioritize Stokes’ fitness for the longer format.
Key Changes to England’s White-Ball Squads
Former Test captain Joe Root has been recalled to the ODI squad for the first time since the 2023 World Cup, while fast bowler Mark Wood, recovering from a bone-stress injury, has also been included. Jos Buttler retains the captaincy of England’s limited-overs sides but may relinquish wicket-keeping duties, with Jamie Smith and Phil Salt providing backup.
The squads also see the inclusion of 21-year-old rising star Jacob Bethell, who impressed in his debut Test series in New Zealand with three half-centuries. Leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed has been named for the T20 series in India but will not feature in the ODIs.
Tour and Champions Trophy Schedule
England’s white-ball tour begins with a five-match T20 series against India starting January 22 in Kolkata. This will be followed by a three-match ODI series kicking off on February 6 in Nagpur, serving as preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy.
The Champions Trophy will mark England’s first global tournament under head coach Brendon McCullum, who previously managed only the Test side. England’s squad features a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents aiming to make an impact on the international stage.
ODI Squad for India Tour and Champions Trophy
- Captain/Wicket-Keeper: Jos Buttler
- Players: Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith (wicket-keeper), Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt (wicket-keeper), Mark Wood
- Note: Rehan Ahmed joins the squad for the T20 series; Joe Root is excluded from T20s.
England’s tour party will leave for India on January 17, aiming to regain momentum and establish dominance in white-ball cricket following recent challenges in global tournaments.
