England’s Ben Duckett Declared Fit for ICC Champions Trophy After Injury Scare

England’s left-handed opener Ben Duckett has been declared fit for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, set to begin on February 19. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that Duckett underwent scans for a left groin injury but has been cleared to participate in the tournament.

Duckett sustained the injury while fielding during the third and final ODI against India in Ahmedabad last Wednesday. Despite England’s defeat in the series, Duckett emerged as the team’s top scorer, accumulating 131 runs in three matches at an average of 43.66 and a strike rate of 122.42, with a highest score of 65.

The ECB released a statement confirming the batter’s fitness, stating, “Scans on a left groin injury have confirmed that England Men’s batter Ben Duckett is fit and available for the ICC Champions Trophy. Duckett sustained the injury while fielding during the first innings of England’s third ODI defeat to India in Ahmedabad last Wednesday.”

The 29-year-old has shown promising performances in ODIs since making his debut in 2016. In 19 matches, Duckett has amassed 831 runs at an impressive average of 46.16 and a strike rate of 102.71. His record includes two centuries and six half-centuries, with a career-best score of 107 not out.

The England squad is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on February 18 ahead of their opening match against Australia in Lahore on February 22. England will then face Afghanistan on February 26 in Lahore before playing South Africa in Karachi on March 1. These fixtures will play a crucial role in determining England’s prospects in the eight-team tournament.

The competition offers England a chance for redemption following underwhelming performances in recent global events. The team failed to defend their 50-over World Cup title in 2023, finishing in seventh place with just three wins from nine matches. They also exited the 2024 T20 World Cup in the semifinals, falling short of expectations. With the Champions Trophy being their next major challenge, captain Jos Buttler will be eager to lead his side to a strong campaign.

England’s squad for the Champions Trophy includes: 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, and Mark Wood.