Australia has announced its preliminary 15-man squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to begin on February 19. The squad sees maiden ICC event call-ups for allrounders Matt Short and Aaron Hardie, highlighting a shift toward versatility and depth.
Squad Overview: All-rounders Take Center Stage
The Australian selectors have leaned heavily on allrounder options when putting together their squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy, with five players offering dual skills. Notable inclusions in the squad are Nathan Ellis, Matt Short, and Aaron Hardie, replacing David Warner (retired), Cameron Green (injury), and Sean Abbott. This marks a significant overhaul from the ODI World Cup-winning squad of 14 months ago.
Matt Short’s impressive return to form in the Big Bash League (BBL) cemented his place. He recently smashed a century for the Adelaide Strikers and has also emerged as a spin option. Meanwhile, Nathan Ellis earned his spot after steering the Hobart Hurricanes into the BBL 14 finals. Aaron Hardie’s inclusion follows key lower-order contributions and a stellar bowling display during Australia’s November series. Though sidelined recently with a quad injury, he remains a valuable asset.
In a major relief for the Australian team, Pat Cummins will once again lead the side despite an ongoing ankle issue, with his participation contingent on fitness. Cummins’ fitness remains a concern, as he sits out the Test series in Sri Lanka to be with his family and manage an ankle problem. The team will rely on Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc to shoulder the pace workload in his absence.
Australia’s Preliminary 2025 ICC Champions Trophy
| Player Name | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pat Cummins (c) | Bowler | Test and ODI captain |
| Alex Carey | Wicketkeeper | Backup option for Josh Inglis |
| Nathan Ellis | Bowler | Strong BBL form |
| Aaron Hardie | Allrounder | Pivotal late-order batter |
| Josh Hazlewood | Bowler | Recovered from calf injury |
| Travis Head | Batter | Likely opener |
| Josh Inglis | Wicketkeeper | First-choice keeper |
| Marnus Labuschagne | Batter | Key middle-order anchor |
| Mitchell Marsh | Allrounder | Power hitter and medium pacer |
| Glenn Maxwell | Allrounder | Spin-bowling option |
| Matt Short | Allrounder | Explosive top-order batter |
| Steve Smith | Batter | Experienced run-getter |
| Mitchell Starc | Bowler | Left-arm pace spearhead |
| Marcus Stoinis | Allrounder | Finisher and medium-pacer |
| Adam Zampa | Bowler | Specialist leg-spinner |
Group B: Challenging Path to the Knockouts
Australia is placed in Group B, where they will face Afghanistan, England, and South Africa. All of Australia’s group-stage matches will be split between Lahore and Rawalpindi.
Australia’s Group Fixtures
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (PKT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 22 | Australia vs England | Lahore | 2:00 PM |
| February 25 | Australia vs South Africa | Rawalpindi | 2:00 PM |
| February 28 | Afghanistan vs Australia | Lahore | 2:00 PM |
Australia, a two-time winner of the Champions Trophy, aims to complete a rare ICC treble by adding this title to their men’s ODI and U-19 World Cup victories during the 2025 event. With a balanced mix of experience and fresh talent, Australia hopes to shine on the global stage. Their campaign promises high-stakes cricket in challenging conditions, as they aim to cement their legacy in the 50-over format.
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