Champions Trophy: England suffer massive blow, Jacob Bethell suffers injury
What's the story
Team England might face a setback as all-rounder Jacob Bethell has suffered a hamstring injury just days before the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
Bethell sustained the injury during the first ODI against India, where he contributed a crucial 51 runs batting at No. 6, and became the youngest Englishman to score an ODI fifty in India.
The injury sidelines him from the second ODI of the ongoing three-match series against India, casting doubt over his availability for the Champions Trophy.
Replacement
Tom Banton replaces Bethell for 3rd ODI against India
To fill Bethell's void, England have called up Tom Banton for the third ODI against India.
Banton, who last played an ODI for England in August 2020, has been in phenomenal form in T20 franchise cricket.
He is currently topping the run charts in the UAE ILT20 competition with 493 runs from 11 innings at a stunning average of 54.77, including two centuries.
Squad update
Banton's inclusion offers additional batting option for England
Banton will join the England squad on Monday, giving them another batting option as they complete preparations for the Champions Trophy.
Bethell's injury will be assessed further when the team reaches Ahmedabad on Monday.
Meanwhile, England has also made other squad changes with fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse rested while wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith remains unavailable.
Fifty
Bethell becomes youngest Englishman to score ODI fifty
As mentioned, Bethell entered the record books with a meticulous knock against India in the 1st ODI.
Bethell was one of England's two half-centurions as the visitors perished for 248 against India.
He walked in when England were reeling at 111/4 and went on to stitch a 59-run partnership with Jos Buttler.
He has become the youngest Englishman to score a half-century in India.
At 21 years and 106 days, Bethell broke Joe Root's record from 2013, as per Cricbuzz.
Stats
A look at the all-rounder's ODI and List A numbers
In nine matches, Bethell has raced to 218 ODI runs at 31.14. As mentioned, he owns two fifties.
As per ESPNcricinfo, in 4 away matches, he has managed 133 runs at 33.25. Both of his fifties have come in away ODIs.
Meanwhile, in 25 List A games, he has amassed 557 runs at an average of 26.52. He also boasts a strike rate of 84.52, alongside five fifties.
Additionally, his high score reads 66. He has also bagged 20 scalps.
Toss
England elect to bat against India in 2nd ODI
Meanwhile, India and England are playing in the 2nd ODI of the three-match series at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.
Having clinched a four-wicket victory in Nagpur, India currently lead the series 1-0.
Meanwhile, the hosts are eyeing another win to seal the series.
While England have elected to bat after winning the toss, Virat Kohli returns to India's Playing XI.
Playing XI
A look at England's playing XI for the second ODI
England (Playing XI): Philip Salt (wicket-keeper), Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (captain), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, and Saqib Mahmood.