Australia has unveiled its preliminary 15-man squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, setting the stage for an exciting cricket spectacle beginning on February 19. As a two-time Champions Trophy winner, Australia’s quest to complete a rare ICC treble — by adding the Champions Trophy to their 2023 ODI World Cup and U-19 World Cup victories — will be a high-stakes journey, with plenty of fresh talent and new strategies in play.
What stands out in this squad is the selectors’ focus on versatility, with an increased emphasis on allrounders. With a significant reshuffling from the squad that triumphed at the 2023 ODI World Cup, this team represents a shift toward depth and flexibility in both batting and bowling departments.
The Rise of the Allrounders
Allrounders have traditionally been a core feature of successful teams, and for Australia, this philosophy has been reinforced with the inclusion of five players offering both batting and bowling prowess. The squad sees maiden ICC event call-ups for Matt Short, Aaron Hardie, and Nathan Ellis, each of whom brings something unique to the table.
Matt Short: A Versatile Weapon
Matt Short’s meteoric rise has earned him a spot in the squad after impressing in the Big Bash League (BBL). His recent century for the Adelaide Strikers and his ability to offer a spin-bowling option have made him an intriguing prospect for the Champions Trophy. Short is known for his explosive top-order batting, and his inclusion provides a dynamic option in Australia’s batting lineup. His adaptability makes him a valuable asset in the fluctuating conditions of the tournament.
Aaron Hardie: Lower-Order Power and Bowling Depth
Aaron Hardie’s inclusion underscores Australia’s focus on having a deep batting lineup. Hardie, who has been impressive with both the bat and the ball, especially in lower-order situations, offers an important balance to the team. His role as a powerful late-order batter and his ability to bowl key overs in tight situations make him a valuable asset for Australia. Despite a recent quad injury, Hardie’s overall impact on the squad cannot be understated.
Nathan Ellis: The Emerging Bowler
Nathan Ellis, who played a crucial role in taking Hobart Hurricanes to the BBL 14 finals, has earned his place due to his outstanding form. Ellis has demonstrated his ability to strike at key moments, and his inclusion strengthens Australia’s pace bowling options. His bowling skills, combined with his ability to deliver under pressure, make him a promising asset for the Champions Trophy.
Pat Cummins: Leading the Charge Despite Fitness Concerns
Australia’s Test and ODI captain, Pat Cummins, will lead the team in the Champions Trophy, despite ongoing concerns over his fitness due to an ankle injury. While his participation is still contingent on his recovery, Cummins remains a key figure in Australia’s bowling attack. If fit, he will bring his leadership and experience to the table. However, with Cummins potentially unavailable for some games, the Australian team will need to rely heavily on the pace trio of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and the newly added Ellis.
The Top Order: Experience and Stability
Australia’s top-order remains a mix of experienced stalwarts and emerging talents. Travis Head, who has been in excellent form, will likely open the batting, bringing a blend of aggression and stability to the team. Marnus Labuschagne, a vital middle-order anchor, will be expected to play a crucial role in building partnerships and controlling the pace of the innings.
Steve Smith, one of the world’s leading ODI batsmen, will continue to provide the backbone of the batting order. Smith’s experience and consistency make him a key figure in Australia’s pursuit of the Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, Glenn Maxwell, whose powerful batting and handy spin bowling make him one of the most dangerous allrounders in world cricket, will be a central figure in both batting and bowling.
Pace Attack: Hazlewood and Starc to Lead the Charge
With Pat Cummins’ fitness still uncertain, the responsibility of leading Australia’s pace attack will fall on Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. Hazlewood, having recovered from a calf injury, will bring his precision and experience to the team, while Starc, the left-arm pace spearhead, will continue to be the go-to bowler for taking early wickets. Starc’s ability to reverse swing the ball in subcontinental conditions will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.
The Group Stage: A Tough Challenge Awaits
Australia finds itself in Group B for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, facing tough opposition from Afghanistan, England, and South Africa. These three teams will offer different challenges, making the group stage a tough test for Australia’s new-look squad.
Australia’s group-stage fixtures are as follows:
- February 22: Australia vs England – Lahore, 2:00 PM (PKT)
- February 25: Australia vs South Africa – Rawalpindi, 2:00 PM (PKT)
- February 28: Afghanistan vs Australia – Lahore, 2:00 PM (PKT)
The matches, split between Lahore and Rawalpindi, will provide diverse conditions, testing Australia’s adaptability. With each opponent possessing unique strengths — England’s explosive batting, South Africa’s pace attack, and Afghanistan’s spinners — Australia’s depth and flexibility will be key to navigating this challenging group.
The ICC Treble: The Ultimate Goal
Australia’s ultimate goal is to complete a rare ICC treble by winning the 2025 Champions Trophy, adding to their rich cricketing history. The team’s squad is a mixture of seasoned campaigners and exciting newcomers, with players like Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa offering balance to both the batting and bowling departments.
Mitchell Marsh, known for his destructive batting and useful medium-fast bowling, is expected to play a key role in both phases of the game. Similarly, Marcus Stoinis, who has proven to be an excellent finisher, will be crucial in the closing stages of Australia’s innings.
A Balanced, Dynamic Squad
With a mix of experience, youth, and versatility, Australia’s squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy looks well-equipped to handle the pressure of such a high-profile tournament. If the new inclusions live up to their potential, the team will have the tools to compete against the best. Australia’s focus on adaptability, particularly with their allrounders, gives them a strong chance of adding another Champions Trophy to their cabinet.
Looking Forward
The 2025 Champions Trophy promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with Australia’s new squad bringing a fresh dynamic to the competition. As the tournament unfolds, the blend of new faces, experienced leaders, and versatile players will be put to the test. If Australia can blend their resources seamlessly, they will be poised to cement their place as one of the greatest teams in the history of 50-over cricket.