Australia’s national cricket team on Monday, January 13, announced its 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be held in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.

Australia will be led by Pat Cummins for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, who has been added to the squad and named captain but his involvement in the tournament remains under a cloud , as CA chief selector George Bailey had earlier revealed that the Australian team had some ankle issues.

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3 major changes to the Australian team lineup

The Australian national cricket team made 3 major changes in their line-up after winning the last ICC 50-over World Cup in November 2023.

Veteran opener David Warner has retired from international cricket, star all-rounder Cameron Green is currently sidelined due to back surgery and pacer Sean Abbott Abbott) was also excluded.

Matt Short, Aaron Hardie and Nathan Ellis replaced them in the 15-man Champions League qualifying squad. Notably, Jack Fraser-McGurk, who was tipped as David Warner’s successor, failed to impress the selection committee and failed to make the cut.

Meanwhile, chief pacer Josh Hazlewood, who is recovering from a calf injury, and all-rounder Mitch Marsh, who was dropped from the Sri Lanka Test squad, have also been added Australia’s Champions Trophy squad.

This is a balanced and experienced team – George Bailey

In an official statement released by CA, George Bailey said the selection committee has selected a balanced and experienced Australian team for the mega 8-team tournament to be held in Pakistan and UAE.

“This is a balanced and experienced squad with a core of players who played in the last World Cup, the West Indies series, last year’s successful tour of England and the recent home series in Pakistan,” Bailey said.

“It provides multiple options for tour management depending on the situation that may arise for the opposition and Pakistan.”

Australia, who last won the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy in 2009, will face England, South Africa and Afghanistan in the group stages on February 22, 25 and 28.

Before taking part in the tournament, the team will play a one-off ODI against the Sri Lanka national cricket team to prepare for the 50-over series. Additionally, Australia can make adjustments to the 15-man squad a week before the first match if required.

Meanwhile, the Champions Trophy was last played in England in 2017, where Pakistan triumphed over India in the final at The Oval.

Australia team for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Pre-selected lineup: Pat Cummins (centre), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardy, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Si Tonys, Adam Zampa