Australia has confirmed its 15-member squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, with Steve Smith set to lead the team in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins. However, the squad will be without its ‘big three’ pacers, as Mitchell Starc (personal reasons), Cummins (ankle injury), and Josh Hazlewood will all miss the tournament.
This marks a significant shift in Australia’s pace attack, with the selectors opting for Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott, and Ben Dwarshuis as the frontline fast bowlers. Aaron Hardie will take over the seam-bowling all-rounder role from Marcus Stoinis, who recently retired from ODI cricket.
Australia’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad:
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.
Starc withdraws due to personal reasons
Starc, who was the only member of Australia’s premier fast-bowling trio to play all seven Tests against India and Sri Lanka this summer, has withdrawn from the tournament and has requested privacy regarding his decision. Cricket Australia has extended its full support to the left-arm quick, who is nearing two major Test milestones—100 Test matches (currently at 96) and 400 Test wickets (currently 382).
“We understand and respect Mitch’s decision,” said national selector George Bailey.
“His loss is, of course, a blow for the Champions Trophy campaign, but it provides an opportunity for someone else to make a mark on the tournament.”
New-look pace attack and spin options
With Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood absent, Australia’s pace attack will be led by four relatively newer faces:
- Spencer Johnson (2 ODIs, 8 T20Is) will be Starc’s like-for-like left-arm replacement.
- Nathan Ellis has prior experience in Pakistan, having debuted there in 2022.
- Sean Abbott has played 26 ODIs, including one game in Australia’s 2023 World Cup-winning campaign.
- Ben Dwarshuis, a bowling all-rounder, has one prior ODI appearance for Australia.
The spin department will be helmed by Adam Zampa, with young leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha also included. Glenn Maxwell’s off-spin is expected to play a crucial role, given the subcontinent conditions.
Australia’s top-order options
While Travis Head is expected to open, the team has several top-order options, including Matthew Short and Josh Inglis. The selection of Jake Fraser-McGurk provides further firepower at the top.
Champions Trophy 2025: Australia’s fixtures
- February 22: Australia vs England, Lahore
- February 25: Australia vs South Africa, Rawalpindi
- February 28: Afghanistan vs Australia, Lahore
- March 4: Semi-final 1, Dubai
- March 5: Semi-final 2, Lahore
- March 9: Final, Lahore or Dubai
Smith to lead in Cummins’ absence
With Cummins unavailable, Smith will take over captaincy duties. He recently led Australia to a 2-0 Test series win over Sri Lanka, where he was named Player of the Series. Smith will also captain the team in the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka, which serves as a preparatory build-up to the Champions Trophy.
Australia, two-time Champions Trophy winners (2006 & 2009), will be looking to reclaim the title when they kick off their campaign against England on February 22 in Lahore.
