Australia Announces Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Australia has disclosed its initial 15-member squad that will be representing the nation in the following ICC CT’25 tournament, to be held in Pakistan and the UAE. This consists of a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging players wherein some members have been new entrants after the triumph at ICC Men’s Cricket WC’23. Team Australia, captained by Cummins, eyes to break a 15-year drought in the Champions Trophy after tasting victory twice in succession in 2006 and 2009.
Squad Overview
Player | Role |
Pat Cummins (c) | Captain, Fast Bowler |
Alex Carey | Wicketkeeper |
Nathan Ellis | Fast Bowler |
Aaron Hardie | All-rounder |
Josh Hazlewood | Fast Bowler |
Travis Head | Batsman |
Josh Inglis | Wicketkeepe |
Marnus Labuschagne | Batsman |
Mitchell Marsh | All-rounder |
Glenn Maxwell | All-rounder |
Matt Short | All-rounder |
Steve Smith | Batsman |
Mitchell Starc | Fast Bowler |
Marcus Stoinis | All-rounder |
Adam Zampa | Spinner |
New Faces in the Squad
The core team remains largely unchanged but also has some notable inclusions.
- Matt Short who is an all-rounder has also been rewarded with his inclusion in the squad for the ICC event as his strong performance in the domestic league has led to the call-up.
- Aaron Hardie is a rich addition that has been brought in to strengthen the team since the player is esteemed to be another all-rounder which brings in dual benefits with bat and ball.
- Australian right-arm fast bowler Nathan Ellis is included as a huge recruitment after he showed his potential during the Big Bash League where he made his mark as a fast leg spinner.
These changes capitalize on the absence of David Warner who has retired from cricket, Cameron Green – who is currently undergoing back surgery, and Sean Abbott.
Australia’s Group Stage Fixtures
Date | Match | Venue |
22 February | Australia vs England | Lahore |
25 February | Australia vs South Africa | Rawalpind |
28 February | Australia vs Afghanistan | Lahore |
The tournament gets underway when arch-rivals Australia and England face each other in a crunch match full of excitement.
Pat Cummins’ Availability
After being named captain, many had doubts that Pat Cummins would be able to participate due to fitness considerations as he pulled out of the Sri Lanka Test trip with an ankle sprain. This rekindled doubts about his presence in the Champions’ Trophy. However, the fast bowler seems to be heading towards participation, which will see Australia fortified at both leadership and the bowling ends.
Injury Concerns and Return of Josh Hazlewood
Moreover, there is the comeback of another pillar to their playing eleven, which is Josh Hazlewood. He was barred by his calf injury. This return of Hazlewood is much more important for adding strength to the pace battery and he will be seen with Cummins and Starc.
Australia’s Champions Trophy History
Australia enjoys a great history of winning the Champions Trophy. With trophies of 2006 and 2009, Australia has a nice history. Nevertheless, a win eluded them for the last 15 years. This year’s squad will strive hard to break the drought with a combination of youth and experience keeping them in a good niche of picking the title.
Australia’s Strategy for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Chief selector George Bailey described the squad as balanced and versatile, offering various options depending on the opposition and conditions. The selection committee has picked a combination of experienced players and promising newcomers to ensure a competitive edge in the tournament.
“We have a core group that has been involved in major tournaments like the 2023 World Cup, the West Indies series, and recent tours of the UK and Pakistan. This gives us a well-rounded squad that can adapt to different conditions and challenges,” said Bailey.
Changes to the Squad After World Cup
Three significant changes have been made following the 2023 World Cup triumph by Australia. David Warner, the veteran opener, has retired, with Cameron Green and Sean Abbott both unavailable due to injury or other reasons. Replacing them are new inclusions Matt Short, Aaron Hardie, and Nathan Ellis. These changes would give a fresh new energy to the team with new players looking forward to proving themselves on the world stage.
Conclusion
In the Champions Trophy, Australia may go to the tournament with their important players and fresh faces winning their places. So, they have a good chance of winning the tournament. Putting their lucid nature, and under the leadership of such a gifted player like Pat Cummins, Australia can be one potential title contender.
Apart from Australia’s squad, BCCI has announced the teams in India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and New Zealand.
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