Australia Names Preliminary Squad for ICC Champions Trophy

Aaron Hardie and Matt Short very well picked for the first time for an ICC event, as the people choosing the team for Australia announced a group of 15 members for the Champions Trophy, which starts on February 19. They're going to play the tournament in both Pakistan and the UAE.

Australia, two-time Champions Trophy winners, has opted for an allrounder-heavy lineup, leaving out Jake Fraser-McGurk after a poor domestic season. Nathan Ellis, instrumental in Hobart Hurricanes' KFC BBL|14 finals run, joins Short and Hardie as new inclusions compared to the squad that won the ODI World Cup 14 months ago.

Key Changes and Notable Omissions

Pat Cummins is supposed to be the head of the team, but he might not play because of his bad ankle, George Bailey, the individual who picks the team, shared. Dave Warner is relaxing since he's retired, Cameron Green's got to make sure his needs are taken care of, and Sean Abbott can't make it to the tournament.

Comments from the Selectors

Australia's team has a match with Sri Lanka in Hambantota just a single One Day International event and that's happening right after their second Test match in Galle, three days later, to be exact. They're putting up a conflict in Group B and they've had really good matches versus Afghanistan, England, and South Africa, and many group games. They're happening in Lahore and Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The first important game they have is against England on February 22, which is like the start of the tournament for them. "This squad reflects a balance of experience and flexibility," Bailey stated. "With several core players from the successful ODI World Cup campaign and recent series, we have options to adapt to different conditions in Pakistan." The team is built around a strong pace unit, supported by Adam Zampa as the sole specialist spinner. Seam bowling has historically been more effective in Pakistan's ODI conditions.

AUSTRALIA SQUAD FOR CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025 🏆

Cummins (C), Carey, Ellis, Hardie, Hazlewood, Head, Inglis, Labuschagne, Marsh, Maxwell, Short, Smith, Starc, Stoinis, Zampa. pic.twitter.com/OPgYBA7qtY

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 13, 2025

Aaron Hardie throws balls quickly, Matt Short spins slowly, while Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Marsh, and Marcus Stoinis add a lot of options. They're really key players. Alex Carey, who's been performing well against England, is the backup for the main wicket-keeper Josh Inglis. Hardie’s inclusion comes despite limited bowling in the ongoing BBL 14 season due to a quad injury. Short, meanwhile, has impressed with consistent performances and a stunning century for the Adelaide Strikers upon returning from injury. Tournament Format and Australia's Goals The Champions Trophy, last held in 2017, features eight teams with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The final will be played on March 9 in Lahore or Dubai. Australia, already holders of the men's and women's ODI World Cups and the Under-19 title, aims to secure the only remaining ICC 50-over trophy to complete their collection.

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Australia’s Fixtures

February 22: Australia vs England, Lahore (8 PM ) 

February 25: Australia vs South Africa, Rawalpindi (8 PM ) 

February 28: Australia vs Afghanistan, Lahore (8 PM )

 March 4: Semi-Final 1, Dubai (8 PM )

 March 5: Semi-Final 2, Lahore (8 PM )

March 9: Final, Lahore or Dubai (8 PM )

2025 ICC Men's Champions Trophy

Australia preliminary squad: 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

Broadcast Information

All Champions Trophy matches will be streamed on Prime Video in Australia, as part of their exclusive ICC rights for 2024-27.