England is keeping the door open for Joe Root and Ben Stokes to be part of their 2025 Champions Trophy squad, despite neither having played a 50-over match since last year’s World Cup. Both players are absent from the upcoming five-match ODI series against Australia in September, with Root being rested and Stokes sidelined due to injury. They will also miss the November tour to the West Indies as England’s Test commitments in Pakistan and New Zealand take precedence.
The Champions Trophy, set to begin in mid-February in Pakistan, will serve as a major milestone for England. As preparation, the team is scheduled to play three ODIs in India at the start of February, offering Root, Stokes, and other all-format players like Chris Woakes and Mark Wood their only chance to engage in 50-over cricket before the tournament.
England selector Luke Wright told about the importance of fielding a strong team for the Champions Trophy. Speaking at Lord’s, he pointed out that the absence of Test matches during that period provided an opportunity to assemble England's best side. Although the hectic schedule leading up to Christmas offers chances for others to stake their claims, Wright is confident that come the Champions Trophy, England will have the opportunity to select its strongest lineup.
Both Root and Stokes have signed contracts to play in the SA20 league, with Root joining Paarl Royals and Stokes heading to MI Cape Town. The league runs from January 9 to February 8, meaning they are likely to miss January’s T20I series in India. However, if selected, they will join the team for the ODIs starting on February 6.