Bleeding runs in the death overs and failing to offer adequate support to Joe Root cost England dearly, captain Jos Buttler said after their elimination from the Champions Trophy following an eight-run loss to Afghanistan on Wednesday.

Jamie Smith will bat at No. 3 for the first time in his ODI career and keep wicket for England in their Champions Trophy opener against Australia in Lahore on Saturday. Joe Root has been England's first-choice No.

Joe Root hits a century off 98 balls as England try and chase 326 to beat Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy.

Joe Root has thrown his support behind white-ball captain Jos Buttler despite England's shaky start to the Champions Trophy, describing him as a "brilliant leader" who has the support of the entire dressing room.

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Joe Root scoops the ball "perfectly" for six as England face Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy. Available to UK users only.

Afghanistan face England in the Champions in Lahore - follow live cricket scores, text updates, in-play video clips and radio commentary

Australia face England in the Champions in Lahore - follow live cricket scores, text updates, in-play video clips and radio commentary

Batter Joe Root backs "brilliant leader" Jos Buttler and says the England captain is making a better fist of the job than he did at times during his tenure as Test skipper.

England's Joe Root bats during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match between Afghanistan and England, in Lahore, Pakistan, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

South Africa vs England Live Score, ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Wiaan Mulder outfoxed Joe Root to break England's back. Harry Brook once again got dismissed by a spinner as today Keshav Maharaj got the better of him for 19.