October 9, 2024: Eoin Morgan, England’s World Cup-winning former captain, has voiced his opinion that England should consider including Joe Root and Ben Stokes in their squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be held in Pakistan.
Both Root and Stokes last played ODIs during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, and they will be absent from the upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies later this month.
Morgan highlighted the impact of these experienced players, noting that their absence was felt in England’s recent 3-2 ODI series loss to Australia, where they were without several key players, including Root, Stokes, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Jos Buttler. Morgan emphasized that Australia is a dominant side across formats, but that England was not at full strength during that series.
In discussing Stokes and Root, Morgan stated that Ben Stokes has not yet received the call from coach Brendon McCullum (“Baz”) regarding his participation in the Champions Trophy. However, Morgan believes that if the call comes, Stokes would be eager to return. He added that both Stokes and Root are essential to England’s best team and should be part of any major world tournament where England is looking to compete for the title.
Morgan also acknowledged the value of giving younger players opportunities, as will happen during the series against the West Indies and a series in India in early 2024. However, he cautioned that these opportunities could be short-lived once senior players like Stokes and Root return, as they bring invaluable experience and quality to the squad.
England will have only six ODIs before the Champions Trophy to finalize their squad, split between the series in the West Indies and India, making it crucial for them to strike the right balance between youth and experience leading into the tournament.
