Ben Duckett Fit to Join England for Champions Trophy

Synopsis

Ben Duckett has been declared fit for England's ICC Champions Trophy campaign starting on February 19, after recovering from a groin injury. His return is a relief for the team following various injury concerns during their tour of India.

Key Takeaways

Ben Duckett cleared to play in Champions Trophy.
Duckett injured his left groin during the third ODI against India.
Tom Banton replaced Jacob Bethell in the squad.
Squad faces multiple injury issues but key players are fit.
England will play Australia in Lahore on February 22.

New Delhi, Feb 15 (NationPress) Ben Duckett, the left-handed opener, has been confirmed fit and ready to join England’s lineup for the approaching ICC Champions Trophy, commencing February 19, after a thorough examination of his left groin. Duckett sustained this injury while fielding during the third ODI against India, where England faced a 142-run defeat in Ahmedabad, resulting in a clean 3-0 series loss. Upon leaving India, Duckett was scheduled for scans in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

According to a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Saturday, “Scans on a left groin injury have confirmed that Ben Duckett is fit and available for the ICC Champions Trophy.”

Duckett’s fitness is a significant boost for England, who had to make a change to their 15-man Champions Trophy roster, with Tom Banton stepping in for Jacob Bethell, who incurred a left hamstring injury during the ODI series in India.

During their recent visit to India, England faced several injury concerns, including Jofra Archer (cut on bowling hand), Brydon Carse (toe discomfort), Jamie Overton (hamstring issue), and Jamie Smith (calf problem). However, head coach Brendon McCullum confirmed in Ahmedabad that these players will be available for the Champions Trophy.

The ECB also announced that the squad led by Jos Buttler will land in Pakistan on February 18, ahead of their first match in the Champions Trophy against Australia in Lahore on February 22. Following this, England will compete against Afghanistan in Lahore on February 26, before facing South Africa in Karachi on March 1.

England’s squad for the Champions Trophy: Jos Buttler (c), 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