London, December 22, 2024: Joe Root has been recalled to England’s ODI squad for the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025 and the preceding 50-over series against India. This marks a major decision in Brendon McCullum’s tenure as head coach of both red- and white-ball formats.
Root, who will turn 34 later this month, is set to close 2024 as the No. 1-ranked Test batter after an exceptional year in which he scored 1,556 runs at an average of 55.57, including six centuries. However, his return to the ODI setup comes after more than a year, following England’s early exit from the 2023 World Cup. Root’s recent ODI performances—276 runs at 30.66 during that tournament—were below his career average of 47.60, prompting his omission from the format.
Notably, Ben Stokes, England’s Test captain, has not been considered for selection due to a hamstring injury sustained during the recent Test series against New Zealand.
In a reflection of McCullum’s intent to align his red- and white-ball strategies, the 15-man squad includes eight players who featured in Test cricket this year. Fast bowlers dominate the lineup, with Mark Wood, Brydon Carse, Saqib Mahmood, and Jamie Overton joining Jofra Archer, who has made a successful injury-free comeback in 2024.
Adil Rashid remains England’s lead spinner, supported by part-timers Root, Liam Livingstone, and newcomer Jacob Bethell, who has earned his first major tournament selection. Rehan Ahmed, another rising talent, will join the T20I squad for the India tour in January.
Phil Salt and Ben Duckett are expected to open the innings, while Jamie Smith, a middle-order option and backup wicketkeeper, returns after missing the recent New Zealand Test tour for personal reasons.
England’s ODI journey begins with the first match against India in Nagpur on February 6, followed by the Champions Trophy campaign. The exact schedule for the tournament is pending confirmation due to logistical adjustments stemming from Pakistan hosting India under the hybrid model. The team departs for India on January 17, ahead of the T20I series starting January 22.
England ODI Squad (Champions Trophy and India series):
Jos Buttler (capt), 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, Mark Wood
England T20I Squad (India series):
Jos Buttler (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood
