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England has announced a formidable 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March. Under the leadership of captain Jos Buttler, the team showcases a blend of seasoned players and emerging talents. Notably, Joe Root makes his return to the ODI format after last participating in the 2023 World Cup, adding depth to the batting lineup. However, the squad will be without Ben Stokes, who is sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained during the New Zealand tour in December. Stokes has undergone surgery and is expected to be unavailable for approximately three months.

To prepare for the Champions Trophy, England will embark on a tour of India, commencing with five T20 internationals starting January 22 in Kolkata. This series will be crucial for the team as they aim to finalize their strategies and combinations ahead of the prestigious tournament. Following the T20 matches, England will play three ODIs from February 6 to February 12, further enhancing their readiness for the Champions Trophy.

In another significant cricketing event, the 2025 women's Ashes series between England and Australia is set to unfold over three weeks. The series will feature both ODI and T20I matches, each scheduled within a tight six-day window, culminating in a Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). However, the compressed schedule raises concerns regarding player fitness and the ability to field a consistent XI throughout the series, as it includes five internal flights and lacks time for a warm-up match before the Test.

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