Australia has announced its preliminary squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled in Pakistan and the UAE. The tournament will kick off on February 19 in Karachi, with the Kangaroos beginning their campaign on February 22 against England at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Australia Preliminary Squad:
Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
Captain Pat Cummins will lead the team as they aim to build on their recent successes, including the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup triumph in India. Australia enters the tournament as the reigning world champions and strong favorites, given their form and depth. Cummins, a proven leader, has already guided Australia to multiple titles, including the World Test Championship in 2023 and the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2025. Adding the Champions Trophy to his impressive captaincy record will undoubtedly be on his agenda.
Australia has previously won the ICC Champions Trophy twice, in 2006 and 2009, under the leadership of Ricky Ponting. With their rich legacy in the competition, the Kangaroos are determined to secure a third title.
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Fixture Highlights:
February 22: Australia vs. England at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
February 25: Australia vs. South Africa at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
February 28: Australia vs. Afghanistan at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Key Squad Changes:
The squad sees minimal changes from the World Cup-winning team of 2023, ensuring consistency and continuity. However, three notable absentees include:
David Warner: The veteran batter has retired from international cricket.
Cameron Green: The talented all-rounder is sidelined due to a back injury.
Sean Abbott: Misses out on selection this time around.
In their place, selectors have rewarded players who have impressed in recent competitions:
Nathan Ellis: The 30-year-old right-arm fast-medium bowler earned his spot after stellar performances for the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League.
Matt Short: The 29-year-old all-rounder displayed his potential with both bat and ball, securing his place in the squad.
Aaron Hardie: Another promising all-rounder, Hardie’s versatility adds depth to the team.
Additionally, experienced pacer Josh Hazlewood returns after recovering from a calf injury that had kept him out of action, Chief selector George Bailey expressed confidence in the squad, highlighting its balance and blend of experience and fresh talent. “It is a strong squad with a core group of players who were part of the 2023 World Cup-winning side. This team has proven itself over the last year with a successful tour to the UK, the West Indies series, and the recent matches against Pakistan,” Bailey stated
Australia’s squad boasts a perfect mix of seasoned campaigners like Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Mitchell Starc, alongside rising stars like Ellis, Short, and Hardie. With proven match-winners and a history of excelling in global tournaments, the Kangaroos are poised to significantly impact the Champions Trophy. As the countdown begins, all eyes will be on Captain Pat Cummins and his men as they aim to cement their dominance in world cricket by adding another prestigious trophy to their cabinet.
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