Australia’s preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 have received a boost with the addition of a second One Day International (ODI) to their tour of Sri Lanka. The two ODIs are now scheduled to take place on February 12 and 14 at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium.
The addition of the second ODI comes just two days after the conclusion of the second Test in Galle, which is set to end on February 10 if it goes the full five days.
Australia’s Champions Trophy squad features nine players who are not part of the ongoing Test series, including skipper Pat Cummins and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood. These players are expected to join the squad in Sri Lanka around the start of the second Test, ensuring they have time to acclimatize to the conditions before the ODIs and the Champions Trophy.
However, there is uncertainty surrounding the availability of Pat Cummins, who is still recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the Test series against India. The Australian management is closely monitoring his progress, as his leadership and bowling prowess are considered crucial for the team’s success in the Champions Trophy.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 begins shortly after the conclusion of the Sri Lanka tour, with Australia set to play their first match against England on February 22. They will then face South Africa on February 25 and Afghanistan on February 28 in the group stage. The tournament’s semi-finals are scheduled for March 4 in Dubai and March 5 in Lahore, following the hybrid hosting model adopted for the event. The final will take place on March 9, with the venue—either Dubai or Lahore—dependent on India’s progress in the tournament.