England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith has been ruled out of the first two ODIs against India due to a calf injury, as reported by Telegraph Sport. The 24-year-old recently made his T20I debut in the five-match series against India, which concluded on Sunday, February 2.
Smith featured in the second and third T20Is, replacing Jacob Bethell, and managed 28 runs in two innings before missing the final two games. In Jos Buttler’s absence, he had also played as a wicketkeeper-batter during England’s home series against Australia last September.
Despite Smith’s absence, England still have two wicketkeeping options in their squad: Phil Salt and captain Jos Buttler. However, Buttler has not taken up wicketkeeping duties since recovering from a calf injury and played solely as a batter in the recently concluded T20I series. Meanwhile, Salt has only kept wickets in three ODIs, all during England’s recent tour of the West Indies.
Rehan Ahmed Retained for ODI Series
The report also states that leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed has been asked to stay back for the ODI series. Initially, Ahmed was not part of England’s ODI squad for the India series or the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and was scheduled to return home after the T20I series.
England had selected just one frontline spinner, Adil Rashid, in their T20I squad—a decision that proved costly. Rashid lacked support at the other end, while Buttler rarely used spin-bowling all-rounders Liam Livingstone or Jacob Bethell.
Root believes ODI series against India is perfect preparation for the Champions Trophy
India vs England ODI Series Begins February 6
With the Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, both India and England will look to fine-tune their ODI squads in the upcoming three-match series. The first ODI is scheduled for Thursday, February 6, in Nagpur.
England’s struggles in the 50-over format have been evident since their disappointing 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, where they lost six matches in the subcontinent and failed to reach the semi-finals. Their woes continued with three consecutive series defeats against the West Indies (twice) and Australia.
As the series unfolds, England will be eager to regain momentum, while India aims to solidify their squad ahead of a crucial year in ODI cricket.