swerte gaming ICC Champions Trophy: Banton Feels 'Pretty Surreal' After Reuniting With Former Coach McCullum

Banton has linked up with former coach McCullum Banton has linked up with former coach McCullum

Tom Banton says it is "pretty surreal" to reunite with former coach Brendon McCullum for England's Champions Trophy campaign. (More Cricket News)swerte gaming

The 26-year-old was named in England's 15-man squad for the forthcoming tournament in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, following an injury to Jacob Bethell.

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Banton arrives in fine form, having hit 493 runs at an average of 54.77 during the recent ILT20 in the United Arab Emirates.

He returned to the international fold for the first time since 2022 in the recent ODI series with India - and the first time in that format since 2020.

It was also five years ago that he worked alongside McCullium with Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, and Banton is excited to have linked up with the New Zealander once more.

"To be able to talk to him is very special," Banton said. "I worked with him a few years ago in the IPL, which was unreal, so to be back with him is very special. It's pretty surreal.

"It's obviously very special to be in and around all the boys again. Wearing an England shirt again is such a special feeling.

"It was something I'd missed, but it was something I didn't think too much about.

"I kept my head down and stayed in my lane and just tried to do as well as I could. I'm excited for the tournament to get started."

"We won't get too far ahead of ourselves," he said of England's campaign, which begins against Australia at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

On Tuesday,phwin casino deep inside Chinese Mongolia, the Harmanpreet Singh-led Men in Blue did just about enough to beat a spirited Chinese side. The occasion: the final of the Asian Champions Trophy 2024.

India, the most successful team in the competition, now have five titles, including back-to-back triumphs in 2023 and 2024. The victory adds to their bronze medal secured at the Paris Olympic Games last month.

We've named our XI for the first game against Australia

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 20, 2025

"We'll just take each game as it comes, enjoy training and enjoy the time off. Pakistan is a great place, so hopefullyswerte gaming, we can get out and do some cool things while we’re here."