Few teams boast a legacy in global tournaments as formidable as Australia’s. Heading into the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, the reigning ODI World Cup holder arrives with a squad facing significant challenges. The absence of several key players due to injuries and retirement has forced a reshuffle, leaving Australia with a vastly different line-up from the one that lifted the World Cup trophy in 2023.
Australia’s pace attack has long been its greatest strength, spearheaded by Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc. Between them, they have won two ODI World Cups, a T20 World Cup, and a World Test Championship, and have retained the Ashes. However, the troika’s absence places additional pressure on Australia’s back-up pacers to step up in high-pressure situations. The task becomes even more daunting since Australia will play all its group-stage matches on the flat pitches of Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Australia’s lack of credible spin-bowling options adds another layer of complexity. Legspinner Tanveer Sangha, who was already in Sri Lanka with the Test squad as a development player, joins Adam Zampa as a second frontline spinner. In conditions where spin could play a pivotal role, will the Aussies back one of their young spinners or rely on part-time options such as Glenn Maxwell to supplement Adam Zampa? Either way, the lack of a seasoned second spinner is a glaring issue.
A broader problem facing several teams, including Australia, is the lack of ODI cricket leading into this tournament. Since lifting the World Cup trophy in India in November 2023, Australia has played only 14 ODIs, including a two-match ODI series in Sri Lanka, where Sean Abbott and Cooper Connolly, along with domestic stars Jake Fraser-McGurk, Ben Dwarshuis, Spencer Johnson, and Sangha, were added to the squad.
Meanwhile, Steven Smith will captain the side in Cummins’ absence. This overhaul is perhaps the most significant talking point. Australia has also lost all-rounder Mitch Marsh, who was ruled out in late January due to a back injury. Adding to the upheaval, Marcus Stoinis retired from the format in early February, removing a seasoned all-round option from the mix.
The batting order will also look different. David Warner has retired, while Cameron Green is unavailable following a back surgery. These absences mean Australia will need to find new solutions at the top of the order and in the middle overs, areas that were previously anchored by experienced campaigners.
Player to watch out for
The left-handed opener has been a key figure for Australia at the top of the order over the past 24 months. He has consistently looked to take the attack to the bowlers, defying conditions with his aggressive approach from the outset. His return to fitness during the 2023 World Cup proved pivotal, revitalising Australia’s campaign and culminating in his match-winning 137 against India in the final.
While Head has, at times, appeared vulnerable to the short ball, his ability to counterattack remains a defining trait. With Australia placed in Group B alongside Afghanistan, England, and South Africa — all boasting pace attacks capable of exploiting this weakness — his battles against high-quality fast bowling promise to be enthralling.
Adding to the intrigue is Australia’s round-robin fixture in Rawalpindi, a venue that, not long ago, produced a record-breaking 1,768 runs in a single Test match between England and Pakistan. Given the potential for a high-scoring encounter, Head will relish the opportunity to capitalise on favourable batting conditions.
Full squad:
Australia: Steve Smith (c), 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. Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly.