England’s Root and Stokes in the Running for 2025 Champions Trophy

England’s selectors have confirmed that Joe Root and Ben Stokes are still in contention for the 2025 Champions Trophy squad, despite neither player featuring in a 50-over match since last year’s World Cup. The duo’s absence from recent ODI series is due to England’s commitments to Test tours. However, they could be selected for the three ODIs against India in February, offering them a crucial chance to prove their form ahead of the Champions Trophy. Selector Luke Wright emphasized the importance of fielding a strong team for the tournament, stating that the absence of Test cricket during this period will allow them to do so. Root and Stokes’ commitments to the SA20 tournament might see them miss the January T20I series in India, but they could join the team for the crucial ODIs starting on February 6.