Cricket Australia has announced its 15-member preliminary squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This tournament will be held in Pakistan and UAE from 19th February. New faces like Matt Short and Aaron Hardy have been included in the team, who will be part of an ICC event for the first time. Versatility and balance have been given priority in this team selection.
Opportunity for new faces
- Matt Short and Aaron Hardie caught the attention of the selectors with their performances in the Big Bash League (BBL).
- Nathan Ellis, whose stellar performance took Hobart Hurricanes to the BBL 14 final, has also been included in the squad.
- These three players will replace the experienced players David Warner, Cameron Green and Sean Abbott of the ODI World Cup winning team.
- Warner recently retired from international cricket.
- Cameron Green is out of the tournament due to back surgery.
- Sean Abbott is also unavailable due to injury.
Captaincy question: Pat Cummins and Steve Smith
The team is led by fast bowler Pat Cummins, but his participation is uncertain due to an ankle injury and his absence from the recent Sri Lanka tour.
- Steve Smith has been drafted in as the backup captain.
- Smith led the team in the absence of Cummins on the Sri Lanka tour.
- If Cummins is not available for the tournament, Smith will take over the captaincy.
Group-stage fixtures and practice matches
- Australia’s group-stage matches will be held in Pakistan.
- Matches will be played against Afghanistan, England and South Africa in Lahore and Rawalpindi.
- Before the tournament, the team will play a one-off warm-up match against Sri Lanka in Hambantota on 16 February. This match will take place three days after the second Test in Galle.
George Bailey’s statement on selection
Chief selector George Bailey emphasized the depth and versatility of the team.
- Bailey said,
“Our team includes key players who have performed brilliantly in the World Cup, West Indies series and the home series against Pakistan. This selection reflects our strategic depth and the balance of the team.”
Australia’s 15-man squad:
- Pat Cummins (captain)
- Alex Carey
- nathan ellis
- aaron hardy
- Josh Hazlewood
- travis head
- josh inglis
- marnus labuschagne
- Michelle Marsh
- glen maxwell
- matt short
- steve smith
- michelle stark
- marcus stoinis
- Adam Zampa
Team strengths and challenges
Strength:
- Versatility: The team includes players who can contribute with both batting and bowling.
- Balance of experience and young talent: Experienced players like Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will guide the young faces.
- T20 and ODI experience: Australia has performed well in various formats in recent years.
Challenges:
- Fitness of captain Pat Cummins: Cummins’ absence could be a big blow to the team.
- Pressure from new players: There will be pressure on new players like Short and Hardy to perform in big tournaments.
