IND vs ENG 2025: Jacob Bethell ruled out of series due to injury, Tom Banton returns after almost five years

The talented England all-rounder, Jacob Bethell, will miss the last two ODIs against India after sustaining a hamstring injury, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the development on Sunday, February 9. Top-order batter Tom Banton, who can also keep wickets, has been called up as Bethell's replacement. However, the former is expected to join the side on Monday, February 10, and will only be available to play the third ODI in Ahmedabad.

Bethell played three T20Is in the five-match series against India but failed to make an impression. However, he fared well in the first ODI in Nagpur as he scored a spirited half-century and also picked up the wicket of an in-form Shreyas Iyer. Bethell will hope to recover in time for the impending Champions Trophy as he has been named in England's provisional squad. The Three Lions have three more days to announce their final 15-man squad for the marquee event.

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Meanwhile, Banton's last appearance in an ODI came way back in August 2020. Most recently, he had a sensational outing in the ILT20 2025, finishing with 493 runs from 11 innings at a staggering average of 54.78 and an impressive strike rate of 151.69.

"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.