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Ben Duckett Cleared for ICC Champions Trophy After Injury Scare
England’s cricket team has received significant news regarding their squad ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, as Ben Duckett has been declared fit following concerns over a groin injury. The opening batsman experienced this injury while fielding during the concluding match of England’s ODI series in India.
A statement from the England cricket board released on Saturday confirmed that “scans on a left groin injury have confirmed that England Men’s batter Ben Duckett is fit and available for the ICC Champions Trophy.” This update comes as a relief for the team, particularly after losing Jacob Bethell to a hamstring strain, necessitating the inclusion of Tom Banton as a replacement.
After suffering a 3-0 series defeat to India, England is eager to shift the momentum as they prepare to kick off their Champions Trophy campaign against Australia in Lahore on February 22. The team’s subsequent match will be against Afghanistan just four days later, and they are set to conclude their group stage against South Africa in Karachi on March 1.
The tournament format features two pools, with the top two teams from each advancing to the semi-finals scheduled for March 4 and 5. The final is slated for March 9. England’s pool includes formidable opponents, while India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh make up the other group.
The ICC Champions Trophy, which will be broadcasted in full on Sky Sports, begins with an opening match on February 19, showcasing a clash between defending champions Pakistan and New Zealand, who previously claimed the title in 2000.
Historically, England has yet to secure a Champions Trophy victory, having finished as runners-up against the West Indies in 2004 and India in 2013. As they gear up for the upcoming matches, the resilience and adaptability of the squad will be put to the test.
England’s Champions Trophy Squad
Captain: Jos Buttler
Players: Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood
Match Schedule for England in the ICC Champions Trophy
All times are in UK and Ireland, with all games live on Sky Sports.
Australia: Saturday, February 22 (9am) – Lahore, Pakistan
Afghanistan: Wednesday, February 26 (9am) – Lahore, Pakistan
South Africa: Saturday, March 1 (9am) – Karachi, Pakistan
Watch every match from the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy live on Sky Sports between February 19 and March 9 or stream with NOW.
Source
www.skysports.com