The latest ODI World Cup winners Australia have shown their true caliber without prime bowlers as they stunned England in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener, which produced a high-scoring multiple record-breaking match at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. 

Australian captain Steven Smith chose to field first after winning the toss as they expected dew in the second innings. It proved to be true as England scored the record-breaking total in tournament history with 351/8, and Australia comfortably chased down the target in 47.3 overs after losing five wickets to set a new highest total record (356/5) in ICC Champions Trophy history.  

See Also: IML 2025: Binny & Yusuf Pathan Lead India Masters to score 223-Run Target for Sri Lanka Master

Ben Duckett recorded highest score in ICC Champions Trophy

Opener Ben Duckett had an important role in England's innings to set a record target for Australia. Although Duckett was busy scoring quickly in the powerplay, his opening partner Phil Salt (10) fell early. England's testing with Jamie Smith (15) didn't work well, as the youngster only faced 13 balls.

Duckett and Joe Root built the English innings and guided the team to a big total. They had a 158-run partnership for the third wicket. While Duckett scored 50 runs off 49 balls, Root completed his half-century in 56 balls. Adam Zampa broke that partnership after dismissing Root for 68 off 78 balls (four fours).

While Harry Brook (3) fell early, captain Jos Buttler (23) and Liam Livingstone (14) couldn't add big runs. However, Duckett had a valuable 61-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Buttler, where the opener dominated. Duckett completed his third ODI century in 95 balls. Later, the opener added more power to record the highest individual score in tournament history by becoming the first player to score 150 runs in the ICC Champions Trophy. He completed 150 runs in 134 balls and scored 165 off 143 balls with 17 fours and three sixes before Marnus Labuschagne dismissed him in the 48th over. 

Jofra Archer scored 21 not out off just 10 balls to ensure a record total in the ICC Champions Trophy as England became the first team to score 350+ runs in the ICC Champions Trophy.

Among the Aussie bowlers, Ben Dwarshuis took three wickets (3/66), while Adam Zampa (2/64) and Marnus Labuschagne (2/41) got two wickets each. 

Josh Inglis recorded joint-fastest century in ICC Champions Trophy to record highest chase in tournament

Chasing down the giant target, Australia lost their opener Travis Head (6) and skipper Steven Smith (5) cheaply, which made the chasing almost impossible for them in the early look. However, another opener Matthew Short controlled the situation with Marnus Labuschagne. They had a 95-run partnership for the third wicket before Labuschagne (47 off 45 balls) and Short (63 off 66 balls) lost their wickets in quick succession. 

While Australia were once again in a tough situation in the record chase, English bowlers then struggled to handle the dew effect. Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis and Alex Carey slammed a solid 146-run partnership for the fifth wicket that destroyed English hope. Inglis reached 50 runs in 41 balls, and Carey completed his half-century in 49 balls. Although Brydon Carse dismissed Carey for 69 off 63 balls (eight fours), Inglis' spirit was unharmed, and he got another strong support from Glenn Maxwell. 

In less than six overs, Inglis and Maxwell set a 74-run partnership for the unbroken sixth wicket. Inglis equalled the fastest century record in ICC Champions Trophy history by completing it in 77 balls. The English bowlers had no answer in the tough bowling conditions, where the Aussie middle-order batters had no mercy. 

Player of the Match Inglis scored 120 not out off 86 balls with eight fours and six sixes. Meanwhile, Maxwell was not out for 32 runs in 15 balls with four fours and two sixes. Five out of six English bowlers managed to pick a wicket, but none of them added any others to the tally. 

In a high-scoring thriller, Australia chased down 352 runs the highest successful run chase in the ICC Champions Trophy history to a brilliant unbeaten 120 by Josh Inglis. 

Josh Inglis' thumping 💯 turns it around for Australia as they create history in a run-fest in Lahore 🔥#ChampionsTrophy #AUSvENG ✍️: https://t.co/DBjsJNDgkY pic.twitter.com/lGbeqtTHy2

— ICC (@ICC) February 22, 2025

Australia Pulls Off Record Chase to Beat England in Champions Trophy 2025

After winning the toss, Australia chose to bowl first, and England scored a big total of 351 runs. Ben Duckett was the standout performer for England, smashing an incredible 165 off 143 balls. Joe Root also made a solid contribution with 68 runs, helping England put up the highest chance in the ICC Champions Trophy.

None other than Josh Inglis, who has claimed the Player of the Match award for his blistering innings! pic.twitter.com/02PiS1OD3W

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) February 22, 2025

Australia’s chase didn’t start well, with Travis Head and captain Steve Smith getting out Quickly. But Matt Short scored 63 runs and Marnus Labuschagne scored 47 runs and built an important partnership to keep the chase alive. The real turning point came when Josh Inglis and Alex Carey took control and played according to the conditions, pushing Australia past 280 runs. Carey played a crucial 69 runs knock before getting dismissed by Brydon Carse, but Inglis held it and played very well for the Historical win.

ALSO READ: India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy 2025: Predicted Playing XI

Maxwell’s Quick Fire Knock Seals the Win

Australia needed a final push, Glenn Maxwell stepped up, playing a quick and aggressive 32 off just 15 balls at a strike rate of 213. After this thrilling victory, Australia will face South Africa on February 25, while England must win against Afghanistan on February 26 to keep their tournament hopes alive.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has seen Australia name their squad with Steve Smith being named as skipper in the backdrop of missing Pat Cummins. With a number of high-profile withdrawals leaving the team bench, the team has been re-stocked. 

Confirmed Squad:

• Steve Smith (Captain)
• Sean Abbott
• Alex Carey
• Ben Dwarshuis
• Nathan Ellis
• Jake Fraser-McGurk
• Aaron Hardie
• Travis Head
• Josh Inglis
• Spencer Johnson
• Marnus Labuschagne
• Glenn Maxwell
• Tanveer Sangha
• Matthew Short
• Adam Zampa

Notable Absentees:

Pat Cummins: Ruled out with an ankle Injury
Josh Hazlewood: On the bench with a hip issue.
Mitchell Starc : withdrew out personal reasons
Mitchell Marsh: (back injury) left the game early.
Marcus Stoinis: Retired from ODI cricket recently 

ALSO READ:ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Complete Fixtures Announced

Young pacer Spencer Johnson and rerivering paceman of system Bannaker, West-Banders Bred Dwarshuis has been included to add youthful effervescence to the team. A further addition in the lower-order has been Jake Fraser-McGurk with his place amongst the selectors selection rocks. Adam Zampa will get some good support from leggie Tanveer Sangha who is on an upward curve.
Australia will start their journey in the 2025 Champions Trophy against England at Lahore on Feb 22nd. Being put in a tough group
Having an array of both senior and new players, Australia are going to make a big impact in the tournament and add to their number at the top of ICC trophies, cricketing history so to speak.

The left-arm spinner picked 16 wickets across the two Test matches, finishing the series as the leading wicket-taker. Matthew Kuhnemann has been reported for suspect bowling action after the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

It is also believed that Kuhnemann won't be able to bowl in international cricket until his action is cleared but he might still be able to play Sheffield Shield matches.

Matthew Kuhnemann Suspect bowling test :

Kuhnemann will now have to take mandatory testing within three weeks to determine his action is legal. A biomechanist will analyze the spinner's action and report the findings back to the International Cricket Council (ICC). According to ICC rules, a bowler is permitted a maximum of 15 degrees of flex in their bowling arm.

📢 MATTHEW KUHNEMANN REPORTED FOR SUSPECT BOWLING ACTION.

He'll have to undergo mandatory testing to determine if his action is legal or not. pic.twitter.com/BBfbdnl8tY

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 12, 2025

ALSO SEE :  India's Champions Trophy Squad Update: Harshit replaces Bumrah, Varun replaces Jaiswal

This is the first time in his eight years of professional cricket that his action has been questioned. Matt has played 124 professional matches since his debut in 2017, including five Test matches and four One-Day Internationals. He has played 55 Big Bash League games since 2018.

Australia to support Matthew Kuhnemann :

Cricket Australia will closely observe the ICC and independent experts in line with ICC regulations. No further comment will be made by Cricket Australia or Matthew until the matter is resolved.

Australia's ODI Squad vs Sri Lanka

Australia has announced its side for the two-game ODI series against Sri Lanka. Key players have been withdrawn from the original list and now a balance of both seasoned players and promising young stars can be seen in the team.
Squad Summary
The squad is a solid batting lineup, all-rounders, and a well-balanced bowling attack.However, the captain for this series is still to be confirmed.

Match Details:

• First ODI: February 12, 2025, at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

• Second ODI: February 14, 2025, at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Australia's ODI Squad vs Sri Lanka
Batters: Travis Head, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Jake Fraser-McGurk
All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Cooper Connolly
Wicketkeepers: Josh Inglis, Alex Carey
Fast Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson, Ben Dwarshuis
Spin Bowler: Tanveer Sangha

Australia's ODI squad vs Sri Lanka: Travis Head, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson, Ben Dwarshuis, Tanveer Sangha.

Squad Changes
Some senior members of the original squad have been withdrawn:
All-rounder: Marcus Stoinis
Fast Bowler :Pat Cummins
Fast Bowler :Josh Hazlewood
All-rounder :Mitchell Marsh
The lack of these two prominent players has resulted in new faces being introduced by the side - youngsters Jake Fraser-McGurk and Cooper Connolly, among others.

ALSO READ:Ind vs eng 2nd ODI Live Streaming&: Where & How to Watch the Match Online & on TV

Australia's squad for the two ODIs against Sri Lanka with the captain yet to be confirmed 🇦🇺

Originally selected players who were withdrawn: Stoinis, Cummins, Hazlewood, Marsh pic.twitter.com/cEu2bfJpxd

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) February 9, 2025

In February 2025, Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey achieved a remarkable milestone in the history of Australian cricket. During the second Test of Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium, Carey set a new record for the highest individual score by an Australian wicketkeeper-batter in Sri Lanka. Australian wicketkeeper-batters with the highest individual scores in Test matches in Sri Lanka:

• Alex Carey
• Ian Healy
• Adam Gilchrist

Alex Carey etches his name in history👏

A batting masterclass as he notches the highest individual score by an Australian wicketkeeper-batter in Sri Lanka.#SLvsAUS #AlexCarey pic.twitter.com/PqpoGWuCeg

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) February 8, 2025

Australia's Growth in Subcontinent Conditions 

ALSO SEE : MS Dhoni’s Luxurious Ranchi Farmhouse Gets a Stunning Makeover with Iconic No.7

Australia has had difficult times playing in the subcontinent, generally not being able to come to terms with the spin-friendly wickets of the subcontinent, at least, the slow turning wickets there. However, players like Alex Carey would do their good part in rewriting that script for Australia. Such innings by Carey from Sri Lanka are evidence of how this team is learning to cope with the subcontinent conditions. These performances against tough bowling speaks volumes of the strength gaining in Australia's batting lineup to put a composed performance in the matters involving spin.
The record-breaking knock of Carey is another important moment in Australian cricket. While big names like Steve Smith and David Warner often hog the limelight, contributions by players like Carey are becoming increasingly important for Australian cricket. He would go down in history not just for his crucial moment for the team but for generations of cricketers as an inspiration who will face challenges and adjust to the most trying conditions. It was a lesson in resilience and adaptability in order to achieve success at international levels.

Australia’s cricket team has been in a major blow, losing two of their key fast bowlers, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, ahead of the Sri Lanka ODI series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. It’s a tough setback, considering how crucial they have been to Australia’s success in recent years.

As if that were not enough, Marcus Stoinis has also announced his retirement from ODI cricket, leaving the count forward. Key players absence, Australia has had to alter the squad at the very last minute of the tournaments,w hich is very importent.

Tough times are indeed ahead. But that would have been the best opportunity for new faces to come and prove their worth for upcoming matches.

Fresh Faces for Australia

• Ben Dwarshuis: The left-arm pacer  gets international cricket for some time, and now he gets his shot at the big stage.
• Jake Fraser-McGurk – The explosive batter is a rising star in domestic cricket, making headlines with his aggressive stroke play.
• Spencer Johnson – He is another left-arm quick with the ability to produce pace along with accuracy and it is an opportunity for him to prove his worth at international level.

ASLO SEE: Gongadi Trisha: Telangana's Pride and India's Cricket Star

🚨 𝑩𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑲𝑰𝑵𝑮 🚨

Australian pace duo Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have been ruled out of the Sri Lanka ODI series and the Champions Trophy 2025 🇦🇺🤕

Ben Dwarshius, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Spencer Johnson have been added to the ODI squad 🔁#PatCummins #JoshHazlewood… pic.twitter.com/uPeigUfSl2

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) February 6, 2025

It's a massive loss, to say . Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are not only excellent bowlers, but  also strong leaders on the field. It will be a bad that Stoinis also departed from the field.But this introduces young players in the team.

With the Champions Trophy just a few days away, Australia has been put on notice to make swift adjustments. Can these new faces make it through? Only time will tell.

Australian cricketer Marcus Stoinis has announced retirment from ODI cricket. Currently with his powerful batting skill and relatively sound medium-pace bowling, the all-rounder has decided to leave the 50-over format and choose the T20 game for his future.

🚨 MARCUS STOINIS RETIRED FROM ODI FORMAT. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/2Xr6Xez7Dv

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 6, 2025

Reason for leaving ODIs :

Stoinis said that it wasn't an easy decision to retire from ODI cricket, but he felt that the time had come for him to move on. "Playing ODIs for Australia has been an incredible experience. I'm grateful for every moment in the green and gold," he added while looking back at his journey.

With the ICC Champions Trophy soon, Australia is now going to look for an all-rounder to play the role for them after this departure.

SEE ALSO: ILT20: MIE vs SW Dream11 Prediction Eliminator Match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

Next for the Marcus Stoinis

• Continue playing T20 for Australia
• Participating T20 leagues from corner of the gloab
• Focus on upcoming T20 world cup

The Australian cricket team faces another huge blow ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with Mitchell Marsh already ruled out. Now, according to the latest update confirmed by Australian head coach Andrew McDonald, Pat Cummins may also miss the tournament.

In the ongoing Australia tour of Sri Lanka for the two-match Test series, multiple injury concerns are ruling out key players, including captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. With Cummins unavailable, Steve Smith has been appointed as captain for the series.

Hazlewood sustained an injury during the India series, while Pat Cummins is missing out due to a heavy workload. He has been complaining of an ankle injury and is also expecting his second child.

Also Read: India vs. England ODI Series 2025: Schedule, Squads, Probable Playing XI, When & Where to Watch

Australian team coach Andrew McDonald gave an update on Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood while speaking to radio station SEN.

"Pat Cummins hasn't been able to resume any type of bowling, so he's heavily unlikely, so that would mean that we do need a captain."

Australian coach Andrew McDonald mentioned that Steve Smith and Travis Head are being considered for the leadership role in Pat Cummins' absence.

"Steve Smith and Travis Head are the two that we've been having conversations with while we've been building out that Champions Trophy team along with Pat back home."

McDonald believes that Steve Smith and Travis Head are these two options for the leadership role. He praised Smith for his captaincy in the first Test against Sri Lanka and his experience in leadership, saying the decision will be between those two.

McDonald talks about both Cummins and Hazelwood later in this conversation.

"As I said, Patty is hugely unlikely, which is a bit of a shame, and we've also got Josh Hazlewood, who is battling (to be fit) at the moment. So that medical information will land over the next couple of days."

Australia will finalize and submit their ICC Champions Trophy squad by February 12. The team is waiting for final injury updates on Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood before making a decision.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will start on February 19 and will be played in a hybrid model across Pakistan and Dubai. Australia is placed in Group B alongside England, South Africa, and Afghanistan. and they will play their first match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 26 against England.