An interesting game seems to be on the cards. Two sides who are known for their power are coming in with concerns. England too start seem a little behind in the ODI game with their line-up lacking batting depth, specialist strength and bowling flexibility. Their experience is a concern and Jos Buttler's performances too are not as good as they are supposed to be. They are experimenting again with Jamie Smith at three, which could increase the depth of the batting line-up.

Australia though start in a tougher situation. They will be without a member of the big three bowling attack for the first time since 201. Marcus Stoinis has retired in ODIs, the openers in Short and Fraser McGurk don't seem to be in great form and the middle-order lacks firepower in the absence of Marsh as well. Travis Head and Glenn Maxwell are likely to have their work cut out with their skillset given Steve Smith and Labuschagne are both anchors rather than enforcers.

AUS vs ENG Match Details

Date: February 22nd, 2025

Time:  2:30 PM IST

Venue: Gadaffi Stadium, Lahore

Australia vs England Weather Report

Clear weather and a nice evening is expected for the game.

Australia vs England Pitch Report

Average Score Batting First in the last five games: 290

Average Score Batting Second in the last five games: 258

Wins Batting First in the last five games: 3

Wins Batting Second in the last five games: 2

Lahore has been a better ground to bat first on. 

See Also: AUS vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Tips to be the Best

Australia vs England Head to Head

AUS vs ENG Predicted Playing XI

ENG Playing XI

Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid

AUS Playing XI

Travis Head, Matthew Short, Steve Smith, Jos Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Aaron Hardie/ Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa 

Australia vs England Key Players

Travis Head

Australia are short on firepower this tournament. The onus will thus be on Head with his opening partner not the most experienced and the middle-order lacking muscle, barring Glenn Maxwell. Head has been good in ODIs in recent months but his ability to tackle Brydon Carse could determine how the game goes.

Stat: Brydon Carse dismissed Travis Head three times in a row, in the powerplay, in a Five Match ODI Series earlier in 2024. 

Jamie Smith

With batting and keeping concerns Jamie Smith has been accommodated into the squad. His numbers and form has been really good as well and the line-up has some more cushion with him in there. 

AUS vs ENG Match Tips

Both sides are a little shaky but Australia still does not give the impression of being a side with players missing. They have the flare still and could continue to be favorites.

Match Prediction: Australia Will Win the Match

The much-anticipated 2nd match of the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 will see India and Bangladesh face off at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on thursday, February 20, 2025.

Bangladesh has faced some difficulties in recent ODIs, enduring a series of losses. They were defeated by the West Indies in three consecutive matches, including a 4-wicket loss, a 7-wicket loss, and a 5-wicket loss. They managed to secure a win against Afghanistan in one of their matches, but were later defeated again by Afghanistan in another game. Despite these challenges, Bangladesh will be determined to turn things around and put up a strong performance against India in the Champions Trophy.

India, on the other hand, has been in impressive form, especially in their recent series against England. They won all three of their ODIs, with dominant performances in each match, securing victories by substantial margins. Although India faced some setbacks earlier in the last year against Sri Lanka, their recent form, particularly their convincing wins over England, reflects their strength and readiness for the upcoming clash against Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy.

Head-to-Head : India vs Bangladesh

India and Bangladesh have a long history of encounters in One Day Internationals (ODIs). In their 41 ODI matchups, India has dominated with 32 wins, while Bangladesh has claimed victory in 8 matches. One match has ended with no result.The two teams have faced each other once in the ICC Champions Trophy, with India emerging victorious. In the 2017 edition, India bowled out Bangladesh for 264 and successfully chased the target with 59 balls to spare. Rohit Sharma played a stellar knock of 123* off 129 balls, earning him the Player of the Match award.Interestingly, in the last five ODIs, India has struggled against Bangladesh, winning only two matches while Bangladesh has secured three victories. As the two teams face off in the upcoming Champions Trophy, Bangladesh will look to continue their dominance, while India aims to start the tournament with a strong momentum and a crucial win.

India vs Bangladesh : Head-to-Head records in ODIS

India vs Bangladesh : Head-to-Head records in Champions Trophy

England team has arrived at Pakistan for their Champions Trophy. England team is around a lean patch though the team is filled with lots of young and experienced players who can change the course of the game at any time. Though the form they are in is quite stagrant which can be seen against India in a 3 match series where the entire series was dominated by India. 

They won the series comperehensevly where England couldn't able to put up a fight and very next you have the Champions Trophy around you where the players are lacking in their form and couldn't adjacent with the situation, underperforming in the crunch situation but Captain Butler has different opinion on his side. 

England Team Are Different Team In ICC Events

England have really transformed them into a powerhouse, it all started in 2015 where England were knocked out into the group stages of ICC world Cup, where England announced that they will play fearless brand of cricket though how the circumstances would be, that really worked out and Captain Eion Morgan set the stage for that and started developing the game. 

Read More : Former Mumbai Captain And Selector Milind Rege dies at the age of 76

England played a attacking form of cricket not at all thinking of defence or bittering of losing wickets. Even Morgan stated that it has his pros and Corns someday we will be perished fully or will never give the opponent to rise up. And it proved to be the turning point from that, even England started to create new records or sometime even they break their own record. Having ICC 2019 World Cup was a significant advantage to them as they persihed every opponent who came on their way. 

Turn Around Has Its Own Way

They had a great outing of 2019 World Cup and the final was also as dramatic as it was but at the end England won the final with the boundary count which had its own controversies later. But once Eion Morgan moved out from England side the apporoach were same for few days after appointment of Butler as captain, the commitment of attacking cricket continued but the results were way opposite to it. 

Read More :  New Zealand Gets Another Setback Before Champions Trophy

So once again England played a two way game where to play a good cricket at start and finishing it at high note but it was rare case in happening.  Soon England lost the plot completely, Covid making the more interpretation. The 2023 World Cup in India would be a forgettable one for them where they finished in seventh place out of ten. Qualifying for Champions Trophy. And the latest series against India clearly depicts that England are still lacking behind somewhere. Though captain Jos Butler has full confidence that they will turn the tables in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

Feeling that 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is going to be a real big bang that will excite each of its game fans around the world, the cricket experts have already made their bets on who of them will be the champions who will top the lists on who will be the best batsmen and bowlers of the tournament. Since the best athletes from all over the world will participate in this contest, there are going to be a lot of exciting solo performances. The following is what some of the most highly respected analysts shared their views:

Experts Predictions for Champions Trophy 2025 for Runs & Wickets Leaders :

ALSO SEE: If AI Created the Perfect Cricket Team for the Champions Trophy

STAR SPORTS EXPERT PREDICTION FOR CHAMPIONS TROPHY MOST RUNS & WICKETS:

Kevin Pietersen - Klaasen & Adil Rashid.
Murali Vijay - Shubman Gill & Rashid Khan
Aakash Chopra - Shubman Gill.
Sanjay Bangar - Virat Kohli & Kuldeep Yadav
Deep Dasg1upta - Virat Kohli & Rashid Khan pic.twitter.com/8m2HmCRzMI

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 19, 2025

Thoughts on 2025 Champions Trophy :

The fans of cricket should look forward to intense matches and individual battles between the best teams as the 2025 Champions Trophy draws near. The expert opinion based on their watchfulness, correct predictions, and critical predictions may illustrate the most outstanding players at the end of the day. However, the natural of the game is that it is a game of uncertainty which means that the judgments become untrue will appear in reality. Are there any champions out there that were underestimated and went up to the top or will whatever prognosticators put out really stick? It will only be a matter of time to see who comes up on top.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 awaits the most cricket tournament, unfortunately, some of the top players are not taking part in this tournament due to injuries and so on. A comprehensive list going over the players who were dropped and why they did not make it. 

1.Jasprit Bumrah(India)

India's best fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out due to a lower back injury. He had back problems during the final Test at Sydney against Australia that also ruled him out of the T20 series with England. Doctors have recommended complete rest to recover properly from such injuries.

2. Saim Ayub (Pakistan)

Saim Ayub (Pakistani Young batsman) right ankle fracture Saim Ayub Pakistani young batsman will not be playing in the tournament. His ankle got him during the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town. He is looking to be back fully fit around ten weeks from now, therefore will not be ready for the Champions Trophy.

3.  Pat Cummins (Australia)

The Australian top-order batsman was ruled out by an ankle injury. Cummins suffered the injury while playing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India and has yet not been fit.

4. Josh Hazlewood (Australia)

Another important Australian fast bowler, Josh Hazlewood will also not be available for play in the tourney due to a hip injury. The same as earlier this season when he was pulled out of the Gabba Test in order not to risk his comeback with two weeks to go.

ALSO READ: SL vs AUS 1st ODI Live Streaming: Where & How to Watch the match online and tv

5. Mitchell Marsh (Australia)

Australian pace allrounder Mitchell Marsh has capped his career because of a back injury which has he considered for him to bring to life in the Champions Trophy.

6. Marcus Stoinis (Australia)

Australia batsman Marcus Stoinis has retired from ODI (One Day International) The decision is meant, that he will not be a part of Australia's squad for the Champions Trophy. 

7. Jacob Bethell (England)

England tour of India: England's Young England all-rounder, Jacob Bethell hurt his hamstring The injury will take a few weeks to heal and he won't be fit for the tournament.

8. Anrich Nortje (South Africa)

South African Anrich Nortje has had a bad back as well. He has not played international cricket since the 2024 T20 World Cup final and later had a bad inversion in the nets recently.

ALSO READ: Matthew Kuhnemann Reported for Suspect Bowling Action After Sri Lanka Test

9. Gerald Coetzee (South Africa)

Gerald Coetzee was ruled out with a tight groin They were tested medically and told playing in this tournament could make his injury worse so team management has pulled him out.

10. Mitchell Starc (Australia)

Mitchell Starc pulls out of Champions Trophy for personal reasons The full scoop on that call has yet to be released. 

Harshit Rana replaces Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah will miss the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting on February 19, due to a back injury. He got injured during the final Test against Australia in Sydney last month and had been recovering at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Fans were hoping for his return, but sadly, that won’t happen.  

The BCCI confirmed the news on Tuesday. BCCI said that, "Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy due to a lower back injury. The Selection Committee has named Harshit Rana as his replacement."

ALSO READ: Varun Chakaravarthy Replaces Yashasvi Jaiswal in Champions Trophy for India, Know Why?

Two big changes in India’s final squad for Champions Trophy 2025 from the provisional squad! 🔄🇮🇳

What do you make of these updates? 🤔#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/w8xZdlXpIg

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) February 11, 2025

Varun Chakaravarthy replaces Yashasvi Jaiswal

Meanwhile, mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has earned a spot in the squad after his impressive performance in the T20I series and Second ODI against England. He will replace attacking batter Yashasvi Jaiswal. The BCCI also said, "Varun Chakaravarthy has been added to the squad, replacing Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was originally part of the provisional squad."

India’s squad for ICC Champions Trophy, 2025: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Non Travelling substitutes: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj and Shivam Dube

England opener Ben Duckett said that the team is in positive form and despite being 0-2 down in the ODI series against India, made it clear that their main focus is the Champions Trophy. Ahead of the final ODI in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, he said that about concerns about a possible 3-0 series loss, saying, "We’re here for one thing to win the Champions Trophy."

Despite the losses, Duckett praised the team’s spirit and said there’s no panic in the squad. "We could sit and have long meetings, blaming each other, but that’s not how this team works under McCullum," he said.

Ben Duckett isn't concerned about the scoreline in the ongoing ODI series as long as England beat India in the Champions Trophy final.#INDvENG #CT25 #India #England pic.twitter.com/6btsD0Wn36

— Circle of Cricket (@circleofcricket) February 11, 2025

ALSO READ: An Indian Cricketer Involved: FIR Filed Against Ranveer Allahbadia, Apoorva, and Sameer Raina in India's Got Latent Show Controversy

Brendon McCullum’s first white-ball series as England coach has been a tough one. The team started with the loss in india with 1-4 series, followed by two defeats in the ODIs against India. England had their chances in both games but couldn’t make the most of them. "It’s all about hitting form at the right time," said Ben Duckett. "We’ve been close against this India team, even without playing our best. There are always positives to take."

Despite the setbacks, Duckett praised the team’s fighting spirit and made it clear there’s no panic in the squad. "We could sit around, have long meetings, and blame each other, but that’s not how this team works under Baz (McCullum)," he said. With the Champions Trophy coming up, England will be looking to turn things around. Duckett believes they can step up when it matters most. "It’s tough not getting results here, but hopefully, we can change that in Pakistan."

Pakistan has been rocked by a massive injury scare of Haris Rauf ahead of the crucial Champions Trophy 2025. Rauf picked up the injury during Pakistan's first fixture of the tri-series against New Zealand and walked off the field in the 36th over after experiencing a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall region. Rauf has been in exceptional form in the past few months and his injury has now left the PCB scrambling for a viable replacement on short notice. 

See also: SL vs AUS Dream11 Prediction 1st ODI Match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

Although PCB remains hopeful of a swift recovery from Rauf, here are three front runners that have emerged as the likely candidates to replace Haris Rauf in the Pakistan squad ahead of the marquee event.

Mohammed Wasim Jnr. 

The 24-year-old Wasim has a demonstrated track record of performing well in ICC events. He finished as the third-highest wicket-taker for Pakistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup claiming 10 wickets across four matches at a stunning average of 21.5. His best performance included figures of 3-31 against Bangladesh. His exploits with the ball in that game helped Pakistan dismiss Bangladesh for only 206 thus setting up a crushing win for his side. In addition, Wasim has played for Pakistan in all three formats but is perhaps seen as a highly skilled operator in the ODI format where he has taken 34 wickets averaging nearly 25. 

Mir Hamza

Hamza is another capable bowler who can leave a mark in the tournament. Although Hamza has only represented Pakistan in the longest format, Pakistan can put his skills to the test in the limited overs format too. Hamza is naturally tall and being a left-arm pacer, Hamza certainly brings something different to the table. His red-ball stats do not paint an accurate picture of his true potential with the ball. His average is well above 40 in the Test format but has thrived on the bouncy pitches of Australia where he dismissed Travis Head cheaply in a few instances. Besides, he has claimed 132 wickets in List-A cricket and seven four-wicket hauls in 94 matches. 

Akif Javed

As per widespread reports, it is believed that young left-arm pacer Akif Javed has emerged as a prime candidate to be included in the team above the rest of the other options discussed above. The 24-year-old has a plethora of experience playing franchise cricket in the PSL and the BPL. A renowned figure in the domestic circuit, Akif has been silently gaining traction following Rauf's on-field injury. Known for his pace and ability to swing the ball both ways, Akif is a genuine wicket-taker and is always up for the challenge. His numbers in First-Class, List A, and T20 cricket are mighty impressive. In List A cricket, Akif has bagged 33 wickets in 30 matches with a best of 5/60. But his numbers truly stand apart in the shortest format. In T20 cricket, Akif has been an exceptional performer with 84 wickets in 68 matches at an average of 23.53 and an economy rate of 8.23.

Ravindra Jadeja says playing domestic cricket helps a lot for his form, especially for Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy, Which helped him stay in touch after a long break from ODIs. Before this series, his last ODI was in the 2023 World Cup. In the second ODI against England at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Sunday, he bowled very accurately, and he played a major role in winning the match. His tight lengths and important overs in the middle order gave the team balance and his form is very crucial for India to win the ICC Champions Trophy.

The 36-year-old Jadeja returned to India's ODI team after his injury setback; after that, he played for Saurashtra in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy and he did really well in that match and his form continues from there. He did well against Delhi, taking 12 wickets and helping Saurashtra win by 10 wickets. he played against Assam and he didn't bowl in that match and he focused on batting.

ALSO READ: Jacob Bethell Ruled Out of the 2025 Champions Trophy: Possible Replacements for RCB in IPL 2025

After the second match against England, Jadeja spoke about his form and how domestic cricket helped him with his consistency and form to bowl very crucial overs. "It feels really good, especially after almost two years since the World Cup. Coming back to this format isn’t easy, but playing domestic matches helped me a lot," he said. "In those games, I bowled more than 30 overs, which kept my rhythm and form going. Even in Tests, I tried to bowl to the same line and length in ODIs. Since the break wasn’t too long, I didn’t feel out of touch. Playing domestic cricket helped me stay sharp," he added. Jadeja’s words show how important domestic cricket is for players to stay in good form before big international matches.

MS Dhoni, the former wicketkeeper batter known for his calm and composed nature, is bringing a different energy to the fans for the big match. In a new Star Sports promo, the former Indian captain is hyping the greatest rivalry India vs Pakistan match in the ICC Champions Trophy on February 23 in Dubai.

The 2013 Champions Trophy-winning captain is bringing the energy for the big match in Dubai, fans should behind the team for success. In the video, Dhoni encourages supporters and fans to cheer for Mohammed Shami as he aims to dismiss Babar Azam, back Virat Kohli to take on Haris Rauf, and rally behind Rohit Sharma in his duel against Shaheen Afridi. This energetic side of Dhoni has surprised fans, making the promo a big hit and building even more excitement for the much-awaited match.

MS DHONI IN CHAMPIONS TROPHY PROMO. 🏆pic.twitter.com/tVRKxF4nYF

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 10, 2025

ALSO READ: ILT20 2025: Winners, Prize Money, and Record-Breaking Performances

Dhoni’s new energetic style has excited fans, making the India vs Pakistan match promo even more thrilling. His passion in the promo has added to the excitement, and fans can’t wait for the big game on February 23.