Australia unveils 15-member squad for Champions Trophy 2025

KATHMANDU: Australia has unveiled its 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, with Pat Cummins set to lead the team.

The announcement, made by Cricket Australia on Monday morning, also sees the inclusion of Josh Hazlewood.

Cummins and Hazlewood were absent from Australia’s recent Sri Lanka tour. Cummins is currently on leave, anticipating the birth of his second child, and will undergo a knee scan during this time.

Chief selector George Bailey mentioned that changes could be made to the squad, if necessary, based on the scan results. According to tournament regulations, the team can make adjustments within the next four weeks, provided valid reasons are presented.

While Hazlewood has yet to fully recover from a calf injury, the team remains optimistic about his fitness for the Champions Trophy.

The squad features all-rounders Aaron Hardie and Matthew Short, along with two wicketkeeper-batsmen, Alex Carey and Josh Inglis. Carey may also play as a specialist batter.

Nathan Ellis has secured a spot as the fourth pacer, outperforming contenders like Sean Abbott and Xavier Bartlett. The spin department will be handled by Adam Zampa, Glenn Maxwell, and Matthew Short.

Young opener Jake Fraser-McGurk missed out on selection due to poor form in the Big Bash League, where he managed only 26 runs across eight innings.

After the ongoing Test series, Australia will play a single ODI against Sri Lanka before heading to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Australia is grouped with England, South Africa, and Afghanistan in the tournament.

Squad:

Pat Cummins (Captain), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.