ENG vs AFG: England's Predicted Playing XI for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Against Afghanistan
England Predicted Playing XI for ICC Champions Trophy 2025: The ICC Champions Trophy is witnessing high-scoring matches and unexpected upsets, making the tournament even more thrilling. England lost their first match in the Champions Trophy against Australia
The 24-year-old young and talented Jamie Smith returns to the team as the wicketkeeper and will bat at No. 3. Jofra Archer has been included in the squad, joining Mark Wood in England’s pace attack. The star fast bowler Brydon Carse has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy, and Rehan Ahmed has replaced him.
The star batter Jos Buttler will lead the team, England will be looking to bounce back after a loss against Australia. Jos Buttler will be under pressure to turn things around, especially after England failed to reach the ODI World Cup semi-final and the T20 World Cup final. Interestingly, England has never won a Champions Trophy, making this tournament even more important for them.
England Playing XI
Ben Duckett & Phil Salt (Openers)
The star-aggressive batter Ben Duckett has played an excellent innings against Australia and he scored the highest score 165 runs ever in the ICC Champions Trophy history. He became a consistent performer for England. He has scored 996 runs in just 20 ODIs with an impressive average of 52, including three centuries and six half-centuries. His ability to play spin well and manipulate the field makes him an asset in the subcontinent conditions, making him a strong opener for England.
The attacking batsman Phil Salt is a destructive hitter against opponents. But he failed to create an impact last match as he managed to score only 10 runs. But he is capable of taking full advantage of the powerplay to give a great start to England. He has scored 968 runs in just 31 ODIs with an average of 333, including a century and five half-centuries. Salt’s fearless approach suits the flat pitches of Pakistan.
Jamie Smith & Joe Root (Top Order Batters)
The 24-year-old young and talented wicketkeeper batter is known for his aggressive batting and wicketkeeping skills. He scored just 15 runs against Australia in their first match. He played eight ODIs and scored 148 runs with an average of 24.16.
England’s batting backbone, Joe Root is one of the most dependable players in the squad. He proved his consistency by scoring 68 runs and the much-needed situation for England. He has vast experience in international cricket. He scored 6702 runs in 175 ODIs, including 16 centuries and 41 half-centuries. Root will be the key player for England's top-order batting lineup. He can play spin effectively and rotate the strike easily with his excellent batting skills.
ALSO READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Mohammed Shami Becomes Quickest Indian to 200 ODI Wickets
Harry Brook & Jos Buttler (Middle Order)
The vice-captain of England's ODI team Harry Brook once again disappointed with batting, he scored only 3 runs in 6 balls. He hasn't been using his excellent batting skills. This 25-year-old scored 772 runs in just 24 ODIs with an impressive average of 35, including a century and five fifties, Brook brings stability to the middle order with his aggressive batting. His fearless approach particularly against fast bowlers, makes him a crucial asset.
The star experienced skipper Jos Buttler is the most important player in England’s batting lineup. He scored 23 runs in 21 balls against Australia. He has played 185 ODIs and scored 5137 runs with an amazing average of 39, including 11 centuries and 27 half-centuries. Buttler has ability to accelerate the innings in the death overs. His leadership and experience will be vital in navigating England through high-scoring encounters on flat decks.
Liam Livingstone & Jamie Overton (All-Rounders)
The right-handed batter and spin bowler Liam Livingstone is England’s one of the most reliable all-rounders. His ability to play explosive batting and off-spin and leg-spin makes him a strong player. But he didn't make much impact in the first match he scored only 14 runs and took 1 wicket. He has scored 913 runs in just 37 ODIs with an average of 32, including a century and four fifties, and 23 wickets with the ball.
The 30-year-old star all-rounder Jamie Overton is known for his pace and ability to contribute with the bat in the lower order. He has played only 3 ODIs and scored 38 runs with his bat. He also took 3 wickets with amazing pace bowling.
Mark Wood, Jofra Archer & Adil Rashid (Bowlers)
The speed gun of England, Mark Wood, has played 69 ODIs and taken 80 wickets. His express pace makes him a crucial part of England's pace bowling attack. However, he was expensive against Australia and managed to take only one wicket. On Pakistan's flat pitches, he will need to focus on variations to trouble the batsmen.
The right-arm fast bowler Jofra Archer is a key player in England's squad. His return to international cricket will boost England’s pace attack. He played a cameo role in the lower order by scoring 21 runs in just 10 balls and also took 1 wicket. He has played 29 ODIs and taken 49 wickets with his excellent yorkers and bouncers. Archer can strike early at crucial moments and bowl effectively in the death overs.
The experienced premier spinner Adil Rashid leads England's spin attack. He bowled an excellent economical spell against Australia and took one wicket. He has played 147 ODIs and taken 213 wickets. England is playing with only one main spinner against Australia.
England Playing XI:
Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.