Duckett fit for Champions Trophy

In a major boost for England, opener Ben Duckett has recovered from an injury to be available for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

England have received a major boost ahead of the Champions Trophy after opener Ben Duckett was passed fit for the 50-over tournament following an injury scare.

Duckett sustained a left groin injury during England’s defeat to India in the third ODI held in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.

However, the England and Wales Cricket Board have confirmed that scans on the injury have revealed the 30-year-old is fit and available for the Champions Trophy, which starts on 19 February.

Duckett has scored two centuries and six half-centuries in 19 ODIs at an average of 46.16.

They had earlier lost batter Jacob Bethell from their 15-member squad due to a hamstring injury, with Tom Banton replacing the 21-year-old.

England will open their campaign against Australia in Lahore on 22 February before facing Afghanistan on 26 February and South Africa on 1 March, with only the top two sides from the group progressing to the semi-finals.

Brendon McCullum’s side will arrive in Pakistan on Tuesday from the United Arab Emirates.

They had lost the T20I series 4-1 and the ODI series 3-0 during their tour of India in the build-up to the ICC tournament. Sportsmax