England face tough road to Champions Trophy semi-finals

England’s struggles in India raise doubts ahead of Champions Trophy campaign.

England captain Jos Buttler is bowled during the third ODI against India at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, on February 12, 2025. Photo by Surjeet Yadav/MB/Getty Images

By Randy Ahmad and Yuni Utomo

England enter the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy with their status as reigning world champions in both 50-over and T20 formats under threat. Despite their dominance in white-ball cricket over recent years, Jos Buttler’s side faces an uphill battle to reach the semi-finals after a disastrous tour of India.

England lost seven of their eight white-ball matches in India, including a crushing 142-run defeat in the third ODI in Ahmedabad, which sealed a 3-0 series whitewash. That followed a 4-1 loss in the preceding T20 series, leaving the team in disarray ahead of their Champions Trophy opener against Australia in Lahore on Saturday.

Their recent record in ODIs is concerning—since winning the 2019 World Cup, England have lost more matches than they have won, with 32 defeats compared to 29 victories. They have also suffered 10 losses in their last 14 ODIs. Critics, including former India coach Ravi Shastri and ex-England batsman Kevin Pietersen, have questioned their approach, though accusations of laziness may be harsh.

Can England adapt to Pakistani conditions?

England will be hoping that conditions in Pakistan will be more favorable than those in India, where their batsmen struggled against spin and their bowlers failed to make an impact. The pitches in Lahore are expected to suit England’s fast bowlers and aggressive batting lineup, offering a glimmer of hope.

However, their path to the semi-finals is anything but straightforward. The eight-team Champions Trophy requires teams to finish in the top two of their group to advance, and England find themselves in a tough pool alongside Australia, Afghanistan, and South Africa. Both Afghanistan and South Africa handed England defeats during their disastrous 2023 World Cup title defense, further underscoring the challenge ahead.

This tournament will also be England’s first major test since Brendon McCullum took charge of the white-ball teams in addition to coaching the Test squad. While McCullum initially transformed England’s Test side with his aggressive approach, recent results have been less promising, with the team failing to qualify for the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June.

Tactical concerns and leadership questions

Criticism of England’s Test cricket under McCullum has now extended to their limited-overs teams. A recurring issue is their inability to adjust to match situations—when their aggressive ‘Plan A’ fails, they often respond by doubling down rather than adapting to conditions.

McCullum, however, remains confident in England’s approach. After the series loss in India, he said: "You know what I'm like. Always optimistic. If you go the other way, you've got no chance, right? I have belief in us."

Despite McCullum’s optimism, questions remain about Buttler’s ability to lead the team through this period of transition. England’s lackluster performances led to the dismissal of limited-overs coach Matthew Mott after their failed T20 World Cup defense last year. Buttler’s leadership has also come under scrutiny, with critics questioning whether he possesses the tactical acumen or motivational presence to revive England’s fortunes.

Speaking after the India series, Buttler remained hopeful: "I think the fact we're not anywhere near our potential yet or playing individually or collectively where we know we can be gives us something to look forward to, believe we can get there, and be a dangerous team in the Champions Trophy."

Injury concerns and squad composition

England received a boost ahead of the tournament with opener Ben Duckett being passed fit following a groin injury. However, rising star Jacob Bethell has been ruled out due to a hamstring issue, limiting England’s batting options.

The bowling attack, once known for its balance, now lacks a left-arm pacer. Instead, England will rely on an all-right-arm pace attack led by Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, with leg-spinner Adil Rashid expected to play a crucial role.

One advantage for England is that arch-rivals Australia will be missing key fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc. Australia also come into the tournament on the back of a heavy defeat, having been thrashed by Sri Lanka by 174 runs in Colombo.

With England struggling for form and confidence, their Champions Trophy campaign will be a major test of whether Buttler and McCullum can turn things around. If they fail to adapt, their reign as white-ball champions could come to an abrupt end.

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