Joe Root Returns to England ODI Squad

Joe Root has returned to England's ODI squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy, marking his first appearance in the format since the 2023 World Cup. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the squad, which will be captained by Jos Buttler, while Ben Stokes has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained during a recent Test series against New Zealand. Both Root and Stokes last played ODIs during the World Cup, where England performed poorly, finishing seventh. England will tour India for a series of T20Is and ODIs before the Champions Trophy kicks off on February 19, 2025, in Pakistan. Additionally, pace bowler Mark Wood is included after recovering from an elbow injury, while the team management aims to avoid risking Stokes ahead of a busy schedule in 2025. Neutral venues will be used for India's matches in the tournament as part of an agreement between the PCB and BCCI.