(PTI Photo)
The Champions Trophy, scheduled to start in mid-February 2025 in Pakistan, will be preceded by three ODIs in India at the beginning of the month, which will be England’s main preparation.
These matches will offer Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and other all-format players such as Chris Woakes and Mark Wood their sole opportunity to refine their 50-over skills before the tournament.
Luke Wright, one of England’s selectors, underscored the necessity of putting together the most formidable squad for the tournament.“There’s no Test cricket around at that point, so it allows us to play our strongest team,” Wright said at Lord’s on Tuesday.
“The schedule over this next period up until Christmas is crazy, so there will be opportunities for guys to stake their claim. But come the Champions Trophy, we will be able to pick our strongest side.”
Joe Root’s performance in the 2023 World Cup fell short of expectations, with an average of 30.66 as England managed only three wins from nine group-stage matches and were eliminated. His lack of experience in 50-over cricket leading up to the tournament was a factor, but Luke Wright defended the decision to rest Root for the series against Australia, highlighting the heavy demands placed on the seasoned batter throughout his career.“We’ve asked a lot of Joe,” Wright said. “There’s no reason why he can’t then come into the major tournaments…we know how important Joe is to the England team.”
Wright also pointed out the difficulties players encounter when adjusting to formats they rarely participate in.“It’s a challenge for everyone, isn’t it? And even more so for us in England…Those top players are able to adapt as well as possible, as I don’t think it’s as big a problem for them as it would be for some of the others.”
As England prepares for the Champions Trophy, there have been adjustments in the squad, including the removal of Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow from both the T20I and ODI teams. However, Wright was quick to clarify that this does not mean the end of their international careers. “They’re disappointed to miss out,” he admitted. “I certainly won’t be saying that that’s the end for them.”
In their absence, three uncapped players—Jacob Bethell, Josh Hull, and John Turner—have been added to the squad for the series against Australia.“It’s nice for guys to get 50-over cricket under their belts: we don’t play much of it,” Wright said. He also emphasized the need to prioritize players’ well-being in the midst of a busy international schedule.
Despite recent setbacks in England’s white-ball performances, including losing their world champion titles in both the ODI and T20 formats, Jos Buttler remains the captain. The challenge now for Buttler is to revitalize a squad that has delivered inconsistent results since their 2019 World Cup victory. While Buttler is anticipated to pass wicketkeeping duties to Phil Salt during the three T20Is against Australia, he is expected to take back the gloves for the ODI matches.
Wright recognized the need to infuse new energy into the white-ball team but rejected any suggestions of complacency within the squad.“I wouldn’t say [things have been] stale,” he said.
“Those guys have given us some of the best times we’ve had in white-ball cricket. It’s life… it’s a great time now: without a World Cup just around the corner as there hasn’t been for a while, it’s an opportunity to blood some new players.”
As England looks ahead, Wright suggested that a phase of transition and experimentation is on the horizon. The series against Australia in September marks a major shift, as England moves away from their previously dependable core players.
“We haven’t needed to [take risks in selection] with the white-ball team,” Wright explained. “They’ve been one of the outstanding teams. We’re very lucky to have had that team for such a long time.”
