Australia announces preliminary squad for Champions Trophy 2025
Australia has announced its preliminary 15-player squad for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. Pat Cummins returns as captain, despite managing an ankle issue that led to his absence from the upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka.
The squad features notable inclusions and omissions. All-rounders Matt Short and Aaron Hardie have earned their maiden call-ups for an ICC event, bringing versatility to the team. Pacer Nathan Ellis also secures a spot, rewarded for his impressive performances in the Big Bash League with the Hobart Hurricanes.
Conversely, young opener Jake Fraser-McGurk has been left out following a series of underwhelming performances in the Big Bash League, where he struggled to make significant contributions for the Melbourne Renegades. His exclusion opens the door for other batting options, with Travis Head expected to return to the top of the order.
The squad retains a core group from Australia’s 2023 World Cup-winning team, including seasoned players like Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. Notably absent is veteran opener David Warner, who retired from the ODI format in November 2023. National selector George Bailey confirmed that Warner is not part of the plans for the Champions Trophy, commending his illustrious career across all formats.
Australia’s group stage fixtures are set against formidable opponents: they will face England on February 22 in Lahore, South Africa on February 25 in Rawalpindi, and Afghanistan on February 28 back in Lahore. Aiming to end a 15-year Champions Trophy title drought, with their last victories in 2006 and 2009, the team is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming tournament
Australia squad for Champions Trophy 2025
Pat Cummins (C), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
