Melbourne, January 13 (UITV)- Australia has announced its initial 15-man squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The tournament will start in Pakistan and UAE from February 19. In this, the Australian team will try to win another title with its brilliant performance. This time some new names have been included in the team, while many experienced players have retained their place.
All-rounders Matt Short and Aaron Hardy have got a place in the team. All-rounder Matt Short has performed brilliantly in the Big Bash League (BBL) and after the retirement of David Warner, he has confirmed his place as an opener. At the same time, Hardy can make an important contribution to the team as an excellent fast bowler and all-rounder. By including these two players in the team, Australia can get variety and strength in its strategy.
There are also some other big names in the Australian team, including Josh Hazlewood and captain Pat Cummins. Hazelwood and Cummins were not part of the team on the Sri Lanka tour, but this time they have returned. The presence of these two bowlers will strengthen Australia’s fast bowling attack. Apart from this, wicketkeeper batsman Alex Carey has also retained his place, who has proved his stability and experience in the team.
Nathan Ellis has also been included in the team. Ellis played an important role in taking the Hobart Hurricanes to the final in BBL 14 and Australia can benefit from his bowling. However, regarding Jack Fraser-McGurk, who was dropped from the team, the selectors made it clear that he was not selected in the team this time due to his poor form. Matt Short has been selected in his place. Short has been given a chance as an opener along with Travis Head.
Captain Pat Cummins will lead the team in this tournament, but due to his ankle injury it is not yet decided whether he will be able to play or not. Despite this, Australia will get an experienced and strong guidance under his captaincy. Cameron Green (who is recovering from back surgery) and Sean Abbott are not part of the team this time.
The selectors have included many all-rounders in the team, including Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Marsh, Travis Head, Marcus Stoinis and Marnus Labuschagne. The presence of these all-rounders will give balance to the team and their contribution can prove to be important in every situation. Adam Zampa will be the main spinner in the spin department, while in the fast bowling attack, Cummins, Hazelwood and Ellis will play an important role in the team’s success with their speed and accuracy.
Australia selector George Bailey said about this team, “This is a balanced and experienced team, which has experience of the last ODI World Cup and other big series. This team is capable of performing well in every situation.” He believes that the diversity and experience of this team will help them succeed in the Champions Trophy.
Australia has been placed in Group B, in which they will face England, South Africa and Afghanistan. Australia will play their first match against England on 22 February, while the second match will be against South Africa on 25 February and against Afghanistan on 28 February. All the group matches will be played in Lahore and Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The semi-finals and finals will be held in Lahore or Dubai and the final match of the ICC Champions Trophy will be played on 9 March.
Australia’s preliminary squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is as follows:
Pat Cummins (captain), Nathan Ellis, Alex Carey, Aaron Hardy, Travis Head, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
Australia will hope for a strong and balanced performance in the Champions Trophy with this team and they will be ready to challenge the opponents with their strength and strategy from the first day of the tournament.
