The England cricket team’s captain, Jos Buttler, doesn’t know whether two of his best players, Joe Root and Ben Stokes, will be available for the next International Cricket Council (ICC) event, the Champions Trophy 2025. After winning the West Indies vs England T20I series 4-1, Buttler was posed the question at the press conference.
All responsibility on McCullum
The wicketkeeper batter simply said that he didn’t have a clue and deflection the responsibility of asking the star players about England’s new white-ball head coach, Brendon McCullum. For the unaware, the former New Zealand captain had come on board as the Test coach, but following the removal of Matthew Mott, McCullum was announced as their all-format coach. A role he’ll take on from January 2025.
“I don’t know exactly. Obviously, Brendon McCullum is coming in full-time, and he’ll be in touch with the guys,” Buttler told reports in Gros Islet.
Buttler wishes Stokes & Root play ICC Champions Trophy
The England captain wishes that Root and Stokes are willing to represent the Three Lions at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Both haven’t played a 50-over match since November 2023. With the West Indies tour over, the next time England plays ODIs are in February 2025. Which is just a couple of weeks before the 8-team tournament starts. So, basically, one can’t be sure about Root and Stokes‘ availability with little less than a month left for the mega event.
“I can’t speak for them individually, but I hope they have white-ball aspirations. They’re two great players,” Buttler added.
What do Root and Stokes want?
Luke Wright, England’s chief selector, had previously stated that Root can directly play ODI cricket at the ICC Champions Trophy. Root’s their second-highest run-scorer in 50-over cricket and has earned himself such privilege. As for Stokes, the all-rounder has previously said that if McCullum tells him to return to ODIs, especially for the Champions Trophy, he’ll return.
