Joe Root Recalled to England Squad for Champions Trophy Campaign

Joe Root has been recalled to England’s ODI squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in February, as well as the 50-over series against India that precedes it. This marks the first significant decision made by Brendon McCullum since taking over as England’s head coach across both red- and white-ball formats. Root, who turns 34 later this month, will finish 2024 as the No. 1-ranked Test batter after a remarkable year in the format, where he scored 1556 runs at an average of 55.57, including six centuries.

Despite his success in Test cricket, Root has not featured in white-ball cricket for more than a year. His last appearance was during England’s disappointing World Cup defence in India in 2023, where he only scored 276 runs at 30.66, well below his career average of 47.60. This slump has continued in recent ODI matches, with only 666 runs at 28.95 in 28 ODIs since his crucial role in England’s 2019 World Cup victory.

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Ben Stokes, another key World Cup winner and Root’s Test captain, was also considered for a recall, but he was ruled out due to a left hamstring injury sustained during England’s loss to New Zealand in the third Test in Hamilton. His absence paves the way for a squad that, under McCullum’s leadership, blends the philosophies of England’s Test and white-ball teams. The squad includes eight players who featured in the Test team this year, and five fast bowlers capable of speeds exceeding 90mph.

Among the fast bowlers is Jofra Archer, whose injury-free return in 2024 has fueled speculation that he could make a red-ball comeback next summer. Also returning is Mark Wood, England’s fastest bowler, who missed the winter Test tours due to an elbow injury sustained last summer. Gus Atkinson, another inclusion, has not played ODI cricket since the West Indies tour in December 2023, where he was part of the 2023 World Cup squad. This mix of experience and fresh talent highlights McCullum’s commitment to revitalizing England’s white-ball team.

Brydon Carse, Saqib Mahmood, and Jamie Overton Lead England’s Pace Attack, While Sam Curran and Reece Topley Miss Out

Brydon Carse, who was England’s standout fast bowler during their Test winter campaign, has earned a spot to build on his impressive form. Saqib Mahmood, returning to full fitness after suffering stress fractures in his back in 2022 and 2023, also gets another chance, following his strong showing in the Caribbean last month. Meanwhile, Jamie Overton completes a strong pace-bowling lineup. Although he’s been managing stress fractures, Overton has showcased his versatility by playing as a specialist death-overs batter in recent white-ball games, earning McCullum’s trust after a 97-run knock as a nightwatchman in his sole Test against New Zealand in 2022.

Notably, Sam Curran, who was a star in England’s 2022 T20 World Cup victory, has been left out. Curran had expressed concerns earlier this year about not fitting the mold McCullum is seeking, given his sub-6ft height and medium pace. Reece Topley, another left-arm seamer, has also been omitted after struggling with injuries. Matthew Potts, despite impressing in his limited appearances across formats, was deemed not as fast as the selected quick bowlers and has also missed out.

Adil Rashid remains England’s first-choice spinner, with additional spin support expected from Joe Root, Liam Livingstone, and Jacob Bethell. Bethell, selected for his first major tournament, was rewarded with a two-year ECB central contract after his rapid rise. Meanwhile, Rehan Ahmed, viewed as Rashid’s successor, will join the team for the T20Is in January, with Root sitting out that segment of the tour.

This squad reflects England’s strategy to blend experience with emerging talent, as McCullum aims to sharpen their pace attack and strengthen their spin options for upcoming challenges.

Phil Salt and Ben Duckett to Open for England in India, with Jamie Smith Returning as Middle-Order Option

Phil Salt and Ben Duckett are set to open for England, having shown promising form together against Australia in September. Will Jacks, however, misses out from the top-order options. Jamie Smith, who had to skip England’s Test tour of New Zealand due to the birth of his first child, returns as a middle-order batter and could also take on wicketkeeping duties if Jos Buttler decides to relinquish the gloves, as he did during the recent T20I series in the Caribbean.

England’s first ODI against India is scheduled for February 6 in Nagpur, where Buttler, like many of his teammates, will be playing his first ODI in over a year, after missing the home season with a calf injury. England’s schedule for the Champions Trophy is still pending confirmation due to a dispute over Pakistan hosting India fixtures, which led to the adoption of a hybrid model for future ICC events. However, the squad will leave for India on January 17, ahead of the five T20Is starting in Kolkata on January 22.

The full England ODI squad for the Champions Trophy and the India tour includes: Jos Buttler (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, and Mark Wood.

The T20I squad for the tour of India features the same key players, with the addition of Rehan Ahmed in place of the absent Joe Root, as England looks to prepare for both formats in India.