England white-ball captain Jos Buttler has revealed that star players Ben Stokes and Joe Root are not guaranteed to return to the national ODI set-up for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The tournament is scheduled to begin in just two months’ time and neither player has played ODI cricket since England’s disappointing World Cup defense in 2023.
ODI absence of Stokes and Root
Ben Stokes previously revealed he would be open to a return if new white-ball coach Brendon McCullum approached him. But he added, “Even if that doesn’t happen, I won’t be too disappointed.” Meanwhile, Root has not publicly expressed his desire to return to the ODI format, but England selector Luke Wright has noted that there is “no reason” Root cannot jump straight into a major tournament.
Butler commented on the situation by saying, “I’m not sure” about availability for February reservations. He admitted McCullum will be in touch with both players as he takes charge of the white-ball team full-time.
Upcoming matches before Champions Trophy
England are scheduled to embark on a white-ball tour of India in January, which will include three ODIs. This will be the team’s only 50-over game before the start of the Champions Trophy. Asked whether Stokes and Root would automatically return if possible, Buttler stressed discussions would take place in the coming weeks with those responsible for team selection.
“The guys here played really well,” Butler added. Some of the younger players did no harm at all. There are also people who are not here but have aspirations for the white-ball side. I’m really excited.”
Root’s ODI legacy and modern formats
Joe Root is widely regarded as one of England’s best ODI batsmen, boasting over 6,500 runs and 16 centuries in 171 matches since 2013. However, his recent appearance is worrisome. Since July 2021, he has averaged just 22.94 in ODIs across 20 matches. His last century came during the 2019 World Cup.
Likewise, Ben Stokes has played just 19 ODIs in the last five years but has maintained a solid average of 43.38 over that period. In the recent World Cup, he scored 539 runs at an average of 59.88.
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Buttler’s desire for Stokes and Root
“I can’t speak for them individually, but I hope they have white-ball aspirations,” Buttler said of Stokes and Root. “They are two great players.” He also noted that there would be more consistency across formats under McCullum’s leadership.
Buttler added: “The overall message will be delivered by one person who is currently in charge of England cricket, so of course the teams will be closer in terms of personnel.”
Series win against West Indies
Buttler spoke after England secured their first away series win in two years with a 3-1 series win over West Indies. He praised the team’s performance and highlighted Saqib Mahmood, who took nine wickets in four matches and was named player of the series after overcoming injury.
“It’s a great piece of work,” Buttler said of Mahmood’s success. “He showed great skill with the ball and got the result he deserved.”
Buttler himself returned from a calf injury during this series and chose not to keep wickets to focus on his captaincy role on the field. He said he was “enjoying” his new responsibilities. “Sometimes it’s good to change,” he concluded.
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