Big blow to England as star wicket-keeper likely to miss first-two ODIs due to injury

England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith is likely to miss the first two ODIs in the three-match series against India because of a calf injury. However, he is anticipated to be fit in time for the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy. After experiencing calf pain following England's only victory in the third T20I in Rajkot, the wicketkeeper-batter has been receiving treatment. He replaced Jacob Bethell in the second and third T20 Internationals. He missed the next two games as India won the series 4-1.

Jamie Smith to undergo fitness Test

As per a Daily Mail report, the 24-year-old will go through a fitness test in the tour's last game in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, which is also the deadline for finalizing the Champions Trophy squads that are submitted to the International Cricket Council (ICC). Smith's absence is restricting England's batting choices, even though Joe Root has joined them for the ODI leg of the tour. Spinner Rehan Ahmed was supposed to be replaced by Root in the squad, but he is now being requested to remain for the 50-over games.

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Unlike India, who have used up to five spinners in an innings, England has steadfastly adhered to a four-pronged pace attack augmented by Adil Rashid's spin in the T20I leg of the tour. Pacer Saqib Mahmood is also anticipated to participate in the first ODI in Rajkot following the crushing defeat in the T20I series. Despite lowering India to 12 for three with an incredible triple-wicket debut, the right-arm bowler only played one game before being dropped for the final T20 International at Wankhede Stadium.

Varun Chakravarthy joins India squad

BCCI has given a maiden ODI call-up to Varun Chakravarthy after his stellar performance against England in the T20I series. He took 14 wickets in five games in the T20I series. This has also raised hopes over his potential inclusion in the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy 2025.

"The Men’s Selection Committee has added Varun Chakaravarthy to India’s squad for the upcoming 3-match ODI series against England. Varun picked 14 wickets, which included a five-wicket haul in Rajkot in the recently concluded 5-match T20I series against England. He was also the player of the series for his stellar bowling performance. Varun has joined the ODI squad in Nagpur," BCCI said in their official statement