UK, Dec 23, (V7N) - England's cricket star Ben Stokes has been excluded from the squad for the 2024 Champions Trophy due to a recurring hamstring injury. Despite expressing interest in returning to the white-ball format after Brendon McCullum's appointment as head coach, Stokes has not played in an ODI since the 2023 World Cup.

The 33-year-old missed several series, including the 2023 summer series against Sri Lanka and the first test against Pakistan, due to ongoing hamstring issues. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the 15-man squad on Sunday, which does not include Stokes.

Joe Root has returned to the white-ball squad after more than a year away, while Jos Buttler will resume his role as captain. Jofra Archer has proven his fitness and was included, along with Saqib Mahmood. Sam Curran, Will Jacks, and Reece Topley were omitted after failing to impress in the Caribbean.

The squad will play T20 and ODI series in India before traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

END/SD/RH/