Key points
- Australia will open their campaign against rivals England in Lahore
- Pakistan will host ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Australia won ICC Men’s Champions Trophy in 2009
ISLAMABAD: Two-time tournament champion Australia have announced their preliminary 15-player squad for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, the ICC said in a statement on Monday.
According to the ICC’s official website, Pat Cummins will lead Australia in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. The development comes after it was recently confirmed he will not travel to Sri Lanka with the Test side later this month due to an ankle problem.
Matt Short and Aaron Hardie have been included for their maiden squad call-ups for an ICC event, while quick Nathan Ellis has also earned a spot, the ICC press release said.
Australia’s preliminary squad
They are the three changes to the squad that won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, replacing David Warner (retired), Cameron Green (back surgery) and Sean Abbott.
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Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Nathan Ellis has been rewarded for strong Big Bash League form with the Hobart Hurricanes, who have locked in a finals berth in Australia’s domestic T20 tournament.
15-year drought
All-rounders Matt Short and Aaron Hardie will offer selectors plenty of versatility in Pakistan, while Ellis is an effective quick that can open and close with the white ball.
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Short has been a One Day International mainstay for the Aussies wince Warner’s retirement in November 2023, while Hardie has also represented Australia in 50-over cricket 11 times.
“It offers a variety of options for touring management depending on opposition and the conditions that may present in Pakistan,” said selection chair George Bailey.
Australia, who last won the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy in 2009, will open their campaign against fierce rivals England in Lahore.
Australia’s Group Stage matches
22 February – Australia vs England, Lahore
25 February – Australia vs South Africa, Rawalpindi
28 February – Australia vs Afghanistan, Lahore
“This is a balanced and experienced squad with the core having been involved in the previous one-day World Cup, the West Indies series, last year’s successful tour of the UK and the more recent Pakistan home series,” said Bailey.
Australia will look to end a 15-year ICC Men’s Champions Trophy drought after going back-to-back in 2006 and 2009.