news

Champions Trophy 2025: Jos Buttler hints at uncertainty over Ben Stokes and Joe Root’s return

In August, England selector Luke Wright expressed optimism about Root's potential return

Champions Trophy 2025: Jos Buttler hints at uncertainty over Ben Stokes and Joe Root’s return PHOTO: AFP

England's limited-overs captain, Jos Buttler, has suggested that Ben Stokes and Joe Root's return to the white-ball set-up for the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy in Paksitan is not guaranteed, although he remains hopeful the duo will retain their ambitions in the format.

Neither Stokes nor Root has represented England in One-Day International (ODI) cricket since their disappointing 2023 World Cup defense. With the Champions Trophy now just three months away, the question remains whether the two stalwarts will return to the squad.

Stokes had previously stated that if newly appointed head coach Brendon McCullum, who will take charge of England's white-ball team in January, asked him to return, his answer would "definitely be yes." However, he also added, "I'm not going to be too disappointed if I don't."

In August, England selector Luke Wright expressed optimism about Root's potential return, stating there was "no reason" why the experienced batter couldn't step straight into the tournament. Despite this, Root has remained tight-lipped on his own desire to make a comeback to the ODI fold.

"I don't know exactly," Buttler commented when asked about the prospects of Stokes and Root rejoining the side for February's tournament. "Obviously, Brendon McCullum is coming in full-time, and he'll be in touch with the guys."

England will play a white-ball tour of India in January, which includes three ODIs – their only 50-over matches before the Champions Trophy. Buttler acknowledged that while Stokes and Root's potential return remains unclear, the team has been performing well and younger players have made strong cases for inclusion.

"It's a really exciting time," Buttler said. "Some of the young players have done themselves no harm at all. There are people who aren't here who will have aspirations to be in the white-ball side as well."

Root, widely regarded as one of England's greatest ODI batters with over 6,500 runs and 16 centuries in 171 matches, has struggled in recent years, averaging just 22.94 in his last 20 ODI appearances since July 2021. His last ODI century came during the 2019 World Cup.

Stokes, on the other hand, has played just 19 ODIs over the past five years, though his average of 43.38 in that period is impressive. During the 2023 World Cup, he scored 539 runs at an average of 59.88, showcasing his ability in the format.

"I can't speak for them individually, but I hope they have white-ball aspirations," Buttler said of the pair. "They're two great players. Naturally, the teams will become closer in terms of personnel now, as the overall messaging will be coming from one man in charge of England cricket."

Buttler also noted that the increased consistency under McCullum's leadership could lead to fewer distinctions between red-ball and white-ball cricketers, with the same faces appearing in both formats.

Buttler was speaking after England secured a 3-1 series victory over West Indies in the T20I series, their first away series win in over two years. The series ended with a rain-affected match in St Lucia, but Buttler was quick to praise his team's performances, especially that of fast bowler Saqib Mahmood, who was named Player of the Series after taking nine wickets across four matches.

"It's a great piece of work," Buttler said, acknowledging Mahmood's resilience after a difficult period plagued by injuries. "More than anything, he showed great skill with the ball and got the results he deserved."

Buttler, who made his return from a calf injury during the series, reflected on his own captaincy experience, where he opted not to keep wicket and instead focused on leading the team from the field. He expressed a sense of fulfillment in taking on a less physically demanding role but remained open to future changes.

"I don't know exactly but I've enjoyed it," Buttler said, when asked if he will give up the gloves for good. "It's been good for me to take one less thing off my plate. Tres has been great at doing that as well, he's really led the side and really helped me and pushed me towards those kinds of things. Change is good sometimes. I've enjoyed being closer to the bowlers."