The highly anticipated Australia vs England game of the Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be an electrifying match, pitting two of the most powerful cricketing teams against each other in a struggle for dominance. Both teams have put together very strong teams, combining experience with new talent, and this promises to be a thrilling contest for cricket enthusiasts everywhere.

Match Details:

• Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
• Time: 2:30 PM 
• Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Australia's Probable XI

1. Travis Head: The aggressive left-handed opener will be crucial in providing Australia with a solid start.

2. Matthew Short: A versatile batter with the ability to accelerate the innings when needed.

3. Steve Smith (c): The experienced leader and batting maestro, Smith's role at No. 3 will be pivotal in stabilizing the innings.

4. Josh Inglis: A dynamic batter who can take on the opposition’s bowlers in the middle overs.

5. Marnus Labuschagne: A technically sound batter who brings stability and resilience to the lineup.

6. Alex Carey (wk): A reliable wicketkeeper and middle-order batter capable of playing crucial finishing roles.

7. Glenn Maxwell: The explosive all-rounder known for his match-winning performances with both bat and ball.

8. Aaron Hardie: A rising all-rounder providing depth in batting and an extra pace option.

9. Sean Abbott: A seasoned campaigner with a knack for picking up key wickets.

10. Spencer Johnson: A young and talented fast bowler who can generate express pace.

11. Adam Zampa : The lead spinner in the squad, Zampa's variations will be key in the middle overs.

Travis Head, Matthew Short, Steve Smith (c), Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa

Key Strengths

• A balanced batting lineup with aggressive stroke players and solid anchors.
• Versatile all-rounders providing flexibility in team combinations.
• A mix of experienced bowlers and emerging pacers to counter England’s strong batting unit.

ALSO READ:ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (Group B) AFG vs SA: South Africa crush tournament debutants

England's Probable XI

1. Ben Duckett: A skilled top-order batter capable of handling pace and spin effectively.

2. Phil Salt: A destructive opener who can take the attack to the opposition from the first ball.

3. Jamie Smith (wk): A promising young wicketkeeper-batter looking to make a mark in international cricket.

4. Joe Root: The backbone of England’s batting lineup, Root’s ability to anchor the innings will be vital.

5. Harry Brook: A talented batter known for his ability to accelerate the scoring rate in the middle overs.

6. Jos Buttler (c): The explosive England skipper, renowned for his game-changing ability with the bat.

7. Liam Livingstone: A dangerous all-rounder who can clear the ropes with ease and contribute with his spin bowling.

8. Brydon Carse: A fast-bowling all-rounder with a raw pace and ability to deliver in crunch situations.

9. Mark Wood: England’s speedster, capable of unsettling batters with his express pace.

10. Jofra Archer: Returning to international cricket, Archer’s lethal pace and accuracy make him a key asset.

11. Adil Rashid: England’s premier leg-spinner, crucial for taking wickets in the middle overs.

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

Key Strengths

• A power-packed batting order with a mix of classical and aggressive batters.
• A formidable fast-bowling attack featuring Mark Wood and Jofra Archer.
• Adil Rashid’s wrist spin adds a crucial dimension to their bowling attack.

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.

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

Travis Head Wicket Celebration on Feb 6, 2025: AUSTRALIA VS SRI LANKA

Match details

•   Venue: Galle international stadium
•  Date: 6th to 10th february 2025
•  Series: Australia tour of Sri Lanka

The second Test match on February 6, 2025, between Australia and Sri Lanka in Galle, all-rounder Travis Head of Australia was the 'Man of the Moment' as he celebrated a wicket caught by Steve Smith at slip of Sri Lankan batsman Kamindu Mendis behind, which seemed to be phenomenal for the viewers and commentators watching the game. This light-hearted gesture was a humorous nod to his occasional but effective contributions as a part-time bowler, acknowledging those rare moments when he steps up to provide key breakthroughs for his team.

ALSO READ: Major Changes for champions Trophy in Australia: Cummins & Hazlewood Out, New Faces Added to ODI Squad

This wasn’t just a one-off incident. It reminded fans of another quirky celebration during a Test match against India in December 2024. After taking the wicket of Rishabh Pant, Head made a curious gesture: he formed a circle with one hand and playfully inserted his index finger from the other hand into it.Though he isn't a regular bowler, he has given key breakthroughs when needed. More than scoring runs or taking wickets, it was all about enjoying the moment, be it with the bat, ball, or even in a memorable celebration, which kept the crowd entertained.

The wicket celebration from Travis Head. 😄 pic.twitter.com/vuMw5FSCe9

— Praveen kumar (@Naninaidu98) February 6, 2025

Travis Head's style of celebration on wickets reminds everyone that cricket is more than just a game of skill, strategy, and competition; it is also about fun, excitement, and personality. His celebrations are unique and entertaining, and players can have a good time and perform at their best. Humor and energy plus reactions keep the mood light on the field, which may help ease pressure during the long, tense match. In addition, the playful approach of Head serves to strengthen team spirit. Indeed, such moments will add laughter and, consequently, camaraderie among the teammates.

Beau Webster Set to Step in for Mitchell Marsh in the 5th Test Against India

Starting January 3, 2025, the Sydney Cricket Ground is going to be extremely busy because Australia is getting ready to face off against India in the fifth and vitally key test. The team is bringing in a new man, Beau Webster, for his first test game ever, and he's taking over for Mitchell Marsh. This change is very big news.

Since Australia is ahead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series with a 2-1 lead, they're excited and ready to snatch their first series win in India in more than ten years.

“Beau’s story is a great one of resilience… I think he’ll have the backing of an entire state over the next five days”

Terrific to chat with some of those closest to Beau Webster ahead of his Test debut tomorrow.@TheMercurySport

STORY ➡️ https://t.co/l0QcRp9yPT pic.twitter.com/yflVqciAal

— Ryan Rosendale (@RosendaleRyan) January 2, 2025

Why Mitchell Marsh Is Out

The selectors saw that Mitchell Marsh wasn't doing too well in the series, only scoring 73 runs and not doing much with his bowling. They think this is a good opportunity for Beau Webster to step in and display his abilities at the international level.

Pat Cummins, our captain, said Mitch Marsh is still vitally important for the team, especially when we are discussing the short games but he also mentioned that adding Webster to the team will make things better. And he made sure everyone knew this is not farewell for Marsh in test cricket at all.

ALSO READ:Pat Cummins Reveals Australia’s Strategy to Tackle Jasprit Bumrah in Sydney Test

Spotlight on Beau Webster

Beau Jacob Webster has been making waves in domestic cricket, which earned him this debut. His versatility is a huge asset, as he bats right-handed and can bowl both off-spin and medium pace.

Domestic Career Highlights

Webster achieved it in the 2023-24 Sheffield Shield season, making him the second individual ever to hit more than 900 runs and take 30 wickets in just one season. Playing for Tasmania in the local games, he's also been doing really good for the Melbourne Stars in the Bash league.

First-Class Career Stats

Matches: 93

Runs Scored: 5,297

Batting Average: 37.83

Centuries/Half-Centuries: 12/24

Wickets Taken: 148

Bowling Average: 37.39

Best Bowling Figures: 6/100

Webster's all-around skills and impressive form make him a perfect fit for this high-pressure match against India.

Australia's Squad for the 5th Test

Most of the squad remains unchanged, with Webster being the only newcomer. The confirmed playing XI is:

Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the final shortlists for the ICC Awards 2024, celebrating the exceptional performances of cricketers in various categories. These include the Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year, the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year, and the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year.

Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy: ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year

The nominees for this prestigious accolade feature some of the finest names in cricket.

• Harry Brook (England): Brook lit up the cricketing world with his explosive performances across all formats. He maintained an incredible average of over 50 in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, showcasing his versatility and power hitting.
• Joe Root (England): Root had a phenomenal year in Tests, scoring more runs (1,556) and centuries (six) than any other batter. His form in the longest format has been nothing short of remarkable.
• Jasprit Bumrah (India): Bumrah shone as India’s pace spearhead, excelling in World Test Championship duels and leading India to victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. He was named Player of the Tournament, claiming 15 wickets at a staggering average of 8.24.
• Travis Head (Australia): Known for his flair, Head scored nearly 1,400 runs across all formats in 2024. As the top-ranked Men’s T20I batter, he aims to better his nomination from last year.

ALSO READ:Rohit Sharma on Rishabh Pant: Balancing Flair with Responsibility

Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy: ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year

This category honors the most outstanding women cricketers, with four deserving nominees.

• Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka): Athapaththu led from the front for Sri Lanka, amassing over 1,100 runs and taking 30 wickets across formats. She also guided Sri Lanka to their first Asia Cup victory in front of a jubilant home crowd.
• Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa): Wolvaardt had a sublime year, scoring over 1,500 runs and leading South Africa to their second consecutive Women’s T20 World Cup final.
• Amelia Kerr (New Zealand): Kerr excelled as an all-rounder, scoring 651 runs and taking 43 wickets. She was the Player of the Tournament at the Women’s T20 World Cup, where her performances were pivotal to her team’s success.
• Annabel Sutherland (Australia): The young star had a breakthrough year, smashing the fastest double-century in women’s Test history and contributing significantly with both bat and ball.

ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year

This category recognizes the best performers in the longest format of the game.

• Harry Brook (England): Brook scored 1,100 Test runs at an average of 55, including four centuries and a memorable triple-hundred in Multan.
• Joe Root (England): Root continued to dominate Test cricket, becoming England’s all-time highest run-scorer and reclaiming the top spot in the ICC Men’s Test Batter Rankings.
• Jasprit Bumrah (India): With 71 wickets at an average of 14.92, Bumrah was the leading wicket-taker in Tests. His fiery spells were key to India’s success against top teams like South Africa, England, and Australia.
• Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka): Mendis had a record-breaking year, scoring 1,049 runs at an average of 74.92. He became the first batter in history to hit a half-century in each of his first eight Tests and the fastest in 75 years to reach 1,000 Test runs.

These nominations showcase the remarkable talent and dedication of the players, highlighting their impact on international cricket. The winners, decided through votes from cricket experts and fans, will be announced in early 2025.

🚨 THE COMPLETE LIST OF NOMINEES FOR ICC AWARDS 2024. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/NZRvQhT9lO

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 30, 2024

Many cricket fans were shocked after watching Australian cricketer Travis Head’s ungli celebration of Rishabh Pant’s dismissal on the fifth day of the Melbourne Test. An Australian commentator finally revealed the meaning of that celebration.

It was an important Test match of the series, where the hosts Australia have taken a 2-1 series lead by winning the Melbourne Test by 184 runs. Sydney will host the last Test of the five-match Test series, where the visitors India can only draw the series. 

The hosts Australia set a challenging 340-run target for the visitors India in the fourth innings of the Melbourne Test. India lost their first three wickets quickly as they were struggling at 33/3. Later, the opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and the wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant took the responsibility in the fourth innings. 

Travis Head dismissed Rishabh Pant

Jaiswal and Pant's partnership spent more than 30 overs as they had an 88-run partnership for the fourth wicket. While the Australian captain Pat Cummins tried his luck with the part-time off-spinner Travis Head, it worked as Pant was out in Head’s over after his big shot found Mitchell Marsh at long-on. After taking that wicket, Head made a surprising celebration where his right hand’s index finger went to the other hand’s circle made by the fingers. 

Travis Head gets Rishabh Pant and pulls out a unique celebration 👀#AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/EVvcmaiFv7

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 30, 2024

'I had to put the digit on ice'

Former Australian cricketer and Channel 7’s commentator, James Brayshaw, later revealed the meaning of that celebration. He said, "Now, great people in the back have said after he took 4/10 within 17 balls in Sri Lanka in 2022 he was quoted as saying, 'I had to put the digit on ice'. So that was the celebration. He said 'I just got him and I'm putting it back on ice'."

During the 2022 Galle Test, Head recorded his best Test bowling figures of 2.5-0-10-4, as Sri Lanka were bundled out for only 113 runs in their second innings and Australia won by 10 wickets. 

Coming back to the Melbourne Test, Rishabh Pant's dismissal triggered the Indian batting collapse in the fourth innings of the Test match as India were bundled out for only 155 runs, while once battling on 121/7. 

Once again Travis Head became India’s key problem, but this time with the ball in hand. After dismissing the set batter Rishabh Pant, Head had a shocking ungli celebration. 

Australia set a 340-run fourth innings target for the visitors India in the Melbourne Test. The visitors lost their first three wickets before the lunch break as they were struggling at 33/3. However, the opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant controlled the innings with their patient batting performances.

In the critical moment, Jaiswal and Pant set an 80+ runs partnership for the fourth wicket and spent more than 30 overs in the crease. In fact, India didn’t lose a wicket in the second session of the fifth day, which brought the hope of another drawn Test. 

While the Aussie skipper Pat Cummins tried luck with the part-time off-spinner Travis Head, it worked for the team. 

Also Watch: Yashasvi Jaiswal's Iconic Reply to Mitchell Starc: A Moment of Wit and Confidence

Travis Head dismissed Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant fell into the Aussie trap as he lost the key wicket in Head’s over. While the left-handed wicketkeeper batter charged the short outside off delivery, Mitchell Marsh took a good catch at the long-on. 

It was Head’s 14th Test wicket and surely one of the most important wickets in his international career. After dismissing Pant, Head made a shocking celebration, where many cricket fans were confused about his ungli celebration gesture. 

Travis Head gets Rishabh Pant and pulls out a unique celebration 👀#AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/EVvcmaiFv7

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 30, 2024

India lost by 184 runs

It proved a big breakthrough for the hosts as they broke the 88-run partnership for the fourth wicket which spent 32.3 overs. Pant was out for 30 runs off 104 runs. Later, Jaiswal was dismissed for 84 runs as only these two batters reached the double-digit scores in the innings. Fighting from 121/3, India were all out for 155 runs in 20.4 balls. 

With this 184-run win in Melbourne, Australia have taken an unassailable 2-1 series lead before the last match of the five-match Test series.   

Arshdeep Singh Shortlisted for ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year

Arshdeep Singh, a young fast bowler from India, got a nomination for the Men's T20I Cricketer of the Year. It was on December 29 that the International Cricket Council put out the list of nominees. During the T20 World Cup 2024, Arshdeep really showed what he could do. Singh ended up as one of the top bowlers by taking the same number of wickets as the highest wicket-taker. In eight matches, he managed to get 17 victims, boasting a very low average of 12.64 and keeping his runs per over down to 7.16.

Arshdeep not only did an excellent job in the World Cup but also became the top spot for most wickets taken in Test matches among countries that play tests. He got 36 wickets across 18 games, with an impressive average of just 13.50 and giving 7.49 runs per over. What's surprising is that Jasprit Bumrah, even after getting the Player of the Tournament title at the T20 World Cup, didn't even get a nominee spot for the celebrated ICC Men's T20I Cricketer of the Year award now.

ALSO READ:Arshdeep Singh's Five-Wicket Masterclass Stuns Mumbai in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Bumrah performed admirably during the World Cup, finishing as the tournament's second-highest wicket-taker with 15 wickets in eight games, boasting an incredible average of 8.26 and an economy rate of just 4.17. Another nominee is Pakistani star Babar Azam, who was the leading T20I run-scorer for both Test-playing teams and globally, accumulating 738 runs in 23 innings with an average of 33.54 and a strike rate of 133.21, including six half-centuries.

Travis Head from Australia is competing for the award too. This year, he was amazing in T20Is and obtained the most runs for Australia, hitting 539 in 15 games. Head managed to achieve an average of 38.50 and had an inordinately speedy strike rate of 178.47, which included scoring four half-centuries -- proving he can effectively challenge the bowlers.

Sikandar Raza from Zimbabwe completes the list of nominees, with a stellar 2024. Earlier this year, he got everyone to notice him by making the second-fastest century ever in T20 International games.Raza performed well overall, hitting a total of 573 runs over 23 innings, which gives him an average of 28.65. His hitting was very strong too, with a strike rate of 146.54.  Raza even managed to score one century and two fifties. When it comes to bowling, he wasn't unsuccessful either, taking 24 wickets in 23 matches and averaging 22.25 for each wicket he took. Raza shone in one game where he took 5 wickets and only gave up 18 runs.

Arshdeep Singh nominated for ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year.

- Nominees: Raza, Head, Babar, and Arshdeep.#ArshdeepSingh #INDvsAUS #INDvAUS #AUSvIND #AUSvsIND #AUSvINDIA #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/fFHTfSuZMZ

— OP VIN (@vinsaa96) December 29, 2024

Now, fans can vote for their favorite players on the ICC website to help decide this prestigious accolade!

Pacer Jasprit Bumrah has achieved the joint-highest rating points ever for an Indian bowler in the rankings after his stellar performance of 9 for 94 in the third Test at Brisbane.

The Indian pacer, who already leads the rankings list of bowlers has strengthened his position at the top by adding 14 points and taking his tally to 904 points. He is now 48 points clear of second-placed Kagiso Rabada (856). The only other Indian bowler who achieved this milestone is Ravichandran Ashwin who retired recently. He attained a tally of 904 points after the fourth Test against England in Mumbai in December 2016.

Highest Rating Points by Indians

Bowling 
TEST - Ashwin/𝗕𝘂𝗺𝗿𝗮𝗵 (904)*
ODI - Maninder Singh (851)
T20I - Ravi Ashwin (765)

Bumrah is currently the highest wicket-taker in the ongoing Border Gavaskar series with 21 wickets at an average of 10.90 in six innings. He has a chance to break Ashwin's record when both teams meet in Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test with the series being tied at 1-1.

See Also:- AUS vs IND 4th Test Preview: Boxing Day Match—Playing XI, Pitch Report, H2H Record & Prediction

Travis Head moves to 4th, Steve Smith enters the Top 10 on the back of centuries

Moving to the batters rankings list, Australian in-form batter Travis Head moves to 4th position replacing India's top order batter Yashasvi Jaiswal. All thanks to Travis Head's 152 in the first innings at Gabba and the century in Adelaide as well. England's batter Joe Root leads the list with 895 rating points. Travis Head's teammate, Steve Smith, enters the Top 10 list on the back of a century in the first innings at the Gabba. Indian wicketkeeper batter has been moved out of the top ten.

Australian Skipper Pat Cummins finds himself back into the top ten list of all-rounders as he picked up 4 wickets and scored 42 runs in the Gabba Test.

Heinrich Klaasen, Saim Ayub improves after Historic ODI Series 

Heinrich Klaasen moves himself from 13th to 5th in the ODI batting rankings after his three consecutive fifties against Pakistan. Pakistan's Saim Ayub who had a brilliant ODI series after scoring 109, 25, and 101 and helping Pakistan to clean sweep the 3-match ODI series moves himself 57 slots to a career-best 23rd position.

Babar Azam continues to lead the ODI batting list, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in second and third place, respectively.

Highest Rating Points by Indians

Batting 
TEST - Virat Kohli (937)
ODI - Virat Kohli (911)
T20I - Suryakumar (910)