Jamie Smith regains fitness and steps up for England in Champions Trophy opener
- Jamie Smith has returned from a calf injury and is set to play as wicketkeeper and bat at No 3.
- Phil Salt will remain in the team as a specialist batter after previously keeping wicket.
- The England team faces a crucial start against an injury-hit Australia in the Champions Trophy.
Pakistan is the hosting nation for the ICC Champions Trophy, and England is set to face Australia in Lahore on February 22, 2025. Jamie Smith, a 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, returns to the team following a left calf injury that sidelined him for the final two T20s and the ODI series against India. Despite having previously batted no higher than No 5 in his international career, he has been promoted to No 3 in response to England's struggles during their recent tour of India. Alongside Smith, Phil Salt, who had kept wicket earlier, will now focus solely on batting, supported by opener Ben Duckett. The pace attack for England will include Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse, both back from injuries, while Mark Wood also joins as part of the bowling unit. The team aims to improve upon their recent form against a depleted Australian side missing key players due to injuries. Both teams have faced challenges, with England suffering defeats earlier in India while Australia enters the tournament weakened but nonetheless poses a competitive challenge. The matchup is viewed as a crucial beginning for England's campaign as they strive to progress through the group stages of the tournament.