Australia announce 2025 Champions Trophy squad with Pat Cummins as captain

Australia’s fast-bowling captain Pat Cummins will lead the national side in the 2025 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, marking his return to international cricket after managing an ankle injury. Cummins, however, will miss the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka later this month to focus on his recovery, ICC Cricket reported.

The preliminary 15-player squad announced by Cricket Australia features several new names, with Matt Short, Aaron Hardie, and Nathan Ellis receiving maiden call-ups for an ICC event. The trio replaces experienced campaigners David Warner, who recently retired, Cameron Green, who is sidelined due to back surgery, and Sean Abbott.

Nathan Ellis earned his spot in the squad after an impressive Big Bash League (BBL) season with the Hobart Hurricanes, who made it to the tournament finals. Known for his versatility, Ellis is capable of handling both opening spells and death-overs duties in white-ball cricket.

All-rounders Matt Short and Aaron Hardie bring depth to Australia’s batting and bowling lineup. Short, a regular presence in Australia’s ODI setup since Warner’s retirement in November 2023, has shown consistency at the top of the order. Hardie, with 11 ODI appearances to his name, has contributed both with the bat and ball, making him a valuable asset for the tournament.

Selection chair George Bailey highlighted the importance of having a balanced squad with multiple options depending on conditions in Pakistan. “It offers a variety of options for touring management depending on the opposition and the conditions that may present in Pakistan,” Bailey said, as quoted by ICC.

In addition to Cummins, fast-bowler Josh Hazlewood will also make his return to the squad. Hazlewood was ruled out mid-series against India earlier this year due to a calf injury and will skip the Sri Lanka Test tour to prioritize his recovery.

Both Cummins and Hazlewood are expected to play vital roles in Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign. However, Cummins’ availability was under scrutiny, as his wife Becky is expecting their second child during Australia’s Test series in Sri Lanka.

Cummins also managed an ankle issue during Australia’s successful Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India earlier this year, prompting Cricket Australia to monitor his workload ahead of the Champions Trophy.

Australia, who last won the Champions Trophy in 2009, will aim to end a 15-year title drought in the prestigious 50-over tournament. The five-time Cricket World Cup winners previously lifted the Champions Trophy in 2006 and 2009, and the team will be eager to reclaim the silverware.

Australia’s campaign kicks off on February 22 with a high-profile clash against arch-rivals England in Lahore. They will face South Africa in Rawalpindi on February 25, followed by their final group-stage match against Afghanistan in Lahore on February 28.

George Bailey emphasized that the squad is a blend of experience and fresh talent. Many core players from Australia’s recent successful tours and series have been retained, providing stability to the side.

“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 noted.

Australia preliminary squad: 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.