India vs England: Jacob Bethell ruled out of IND vs ENG ODI series

England all-rounder Jacob Bethell will miss the final two ODIs of the ongoing series against India due to a hamstring injury, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Sunday, February 9. Bethell had been a valuable member of the squad but will now be sidelined as he recovers from the injury. In his absence, top-order batter Tom Banton has been called up as a replacement. Banton, who is capable of keeping wicket as well, adds flexibility to the team, with his ability to play across various positions in the batting order.

Banton, however, will not join the squad immediately. He is expected to arrive on Monday, February 10, and will be available to play only in the third and final ODI of the series, which is scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad. This change comes as a blow to England, as Bethell’s all-round skills have been key in their strategy, but Banton’s addition brings fresh energy and depth to the squad. With this adjustment, England will hope to make a strong comeback in the series, with Banton adding firepower to their middle order. The team will also be closely monitoring Bethell's recovery as they look ahead to upcoming international commitments including the all-important ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 

Welcome, Bants! 👋

Tom Banton called up as cover for the 3rd ODI against India in Ahmedabad.

🇮🇳 #INDvENG 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 | #EnglandCricket

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 9, 2025

Jacob Bethell had a mixed performance in England’s recent series against India. He played three T20Is in the five-match series but failed to make a significant impact. However, he redeemed himself in the first ODI in Nagpur, scoring a determined half-century and picking up the wicket of in-form Shreyas Iyer. Despite his promising start, Bethell will miss the final two ODIs of the series due to a hamstring injury. The all-rounder is now focused on recovering in time for the Champions Trophy, where he is part of England's provisional squad. The Three Lions have until the deadline to announce their final 15-man squad for the prestigious tournament.

In Bethell’s absence, Tom Banton has been called up to the squad. Banton, who hasn’t played an ODI since August 2020, brings in fresh energy. The top-order batter enjoyed a standout performance in the recent ILT20 2025, scoring 493 runs in 11 innings at an average of 54.78 and a strike rate of 151.69. He is expected to join the team by February 10 and will be available for the third ODI in Ahmedabad, adding depth to England’s batting lineup.

"England Men have called up Somerset batter Tom Banton as cover for the third ODI against India in Ahmedabad, which starts on Wednesday. Warwickshire batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell, who featured in the first ODI defeat in Nagpur, has sustained a left hamstring injury. The injury will be assessed further when the team arrives in Ahmedabad on Monday," the ECB release said.

"Banton, who last played for England in an ODI in August 2020, has been in outstanding form in T20 franchise cricket. He is currently the leading run-scorer in the UAE ILT20 competition, where he has amassed 493 runs from 11 innings at an average of 54.77, including two centuries," the release added.