Australia Announce Preliminary Squad for Champions Trophy 2025; Delhi Capitals Star Dropped 

Cricket Australia has announced a preliminary 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be held in Pakistan. The squad includes fresh faces Matt Short and Aaron Hardie, who are gearing up to play in their first ICC tournament. Nathan Ellis, who has been impressive in recent outings, has also earned his spot.

Pat Cummins, named as captain, remains a doubt for the tournament due to an ongoing ankle issue. He played through the injury during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and may sit out a few matches. Josh Hazlewood, who missed a chunk of the India series with a side strain, has also been included in the squad.

Bailey Confident in Squad’s Balance

Men’s national selection chair George Bailey expressed confidence in the squad’s balance and versatility.

“This is a balanced and experienced squad with the core having been involved in the previous one-day World Cup, the West Indies series, last year’s successful tour of the UK, and the more recent Pakistan home series,” Bailey said in a statement.

Bailey highlighted the importance of adaptability for the tournament.

“It offers a variety of options for touring management depending on opposition and the conditions that may present in Pakistan,” he added.

Australia’s Champions Trophy Squad Overview 

Australia’s preliminary squad features experienced campaigners like Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith, and Glenn Maxwell, alongside rising stars like Short and Hardie.

However, there are notable omissions. Jake Fraser-McGurk, a young opener, has been left out following a poor run of form in the Big Bash League (BBL). Fast-bowling all-rounder Sean Abbott also missed out, with selectors opting for Hardie.

Pat Cummins’ Fitness a Concern for Champions Trophy 2025 

Cummins’ participation in the Champions Trophy remains uncertain. He is currently resting following a grueling Border-Gavaskar Trophy series and will also miss Australia’s two-Test series against Sri Lanka to be with his family for the birth of his second child.

Bailey confirmed that the selectors and medical staff would continue to monitor Cummins’ progress.

“We’ll work through that with Pat, the selection panel, and the medical team. But I know he’s very keen to lead,” Bailey said.

Should Cummins be ruled out, Australia may look to one of Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Travis Head, or Josh Hazlewood to captain the side. All four have led Australia in white-ball cricket in recent years.

Australia’s Path to the Champions Trophy

Before the tournament, Australia will play a one-off ODI against Sri Lanka on February 13, following their two-Test series in the country. The Champions Trophy campaign begins on February 21, with Australia taking on South Africa in Karachi.

Australia have been drawn into Group B alongside South Africa, England, and Afghanistan. The team will need to hit the ground running in the 19-day tournament.

Australia’s Preliminary Squad for Champions Trophy 2025: 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

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