Banton gets call for Champions Trophy as Bethell 'ruled out' of Champions Trophy
Cricket
Bethell was injured during the first match of the series against India in Nagpur
(Web Desk) - England's young all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy due to an injury.
According to Indian media, England captain Jos Buttler confirmed that left-handed batter Jacob Bethell will not participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan after suffering a hamstring injury during the ongoing ODI series against India.
Bethell, who made his ODI debut for England in September, was injured during the first match of the series against India in Nagpur.
The 21-year-old had an impressive performance in the match, scoring 51 runs and taking the wicket of Shreyas Iyer.
Due to the injury, Bethell was ruled out of the three-match ODI series against India, and England included Tom Banton in the squad ahead of the second ODI on Sunday.
“I’m pretty sure (Bethell) has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy, to be honest,” captain Jos Buttler admitted after England’s four-wicket defeat. “That’s really disappointing for him. Obviously, he played nicely the other day and has been one of the really exciting players,” he added.
“It’s a shame that injury is going to rule him out.” England have not made an official statement on Bethell’s status.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Banton, 26, was due to arrive in India on Monday and join the England squad for the final match of the series in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. Banton has played in six ODIs, with a top score of 58 and averages 26.80 with the bat.
England’s first match in the Champions Trophy is against World Cup winners Australia on February 22.
