AUS vs ENG: Top 3 Player Battles to watch out for in Champions Trophy 2025

Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is ready to witness a battle of the heavyweights as Australia (AUS) takes on England (ENG)on Saturday. The game between the two arch-rivals is set to be a blockbuster affair with some huge names in the fray. This the first major test for Steve Smith, who leads his side without the likes of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins. 

Australia enters the tournament after 2-0 ODI series loss to Sri Lanka. One of the biggest worries for the current ODI World Cup winners will be their struggles against spin bowling, which was evident in Sri Lanka. Steve Smith will look to lead the side with the bat and Travis Head is expected to play huge role for the Aussies. 

Jos Buttler’s side had played India in three ODI matches, failing to secure a single win. Ben Duckett and Phil Salt have given the English good starts with the bat in the powerplay overs. The middle-order consisting of Jos Buttler, Harry Brook, and Joe Root in particular 

Here are the top three player battles to watch out from AUS vs ENG Champions Trophy match 

3- Adam Zampa vs Joe Root

Former England skipper Joe Root will be one of the batters to watch out for during the tournament. The 34-year-old has become the best batter in the world currently with his consistent run-scoring. Adam Zampa will be the key bowler for Australia as he the leg-spinner has the knack of getting key wickets. Root has struggled against quality spinners and Zampa’s variations could leave the former England skipper in huge trouble. 

2- Travis Head vs Mark Wood 

Australia’s opening batter Travis Head has brought his own aggressive brand of cricket across all formats. The 31-year-old has been attacking bowlers right from the start and scoring runs at breakneck speed. If there is one weakness in Head’s game it is problems against the short ball. Mark Wood has been bowling at top speeds and his ability to crank up speeds was seen during the Indian series. The English pacer has already dismissed Head twice in ODI cricket and will look to get his wicket early on Saturday. 

1- Jofra Archer vs Steve Smith 

Skipper Steve Smith has hit red hot form with the bat after his centuries in series against India and Sri Lanka. The 35-year-old will want to continue his purple patch with the bat in Champions Trophy as well. If there is one bowler that Smith will be wary of that is Jofra Archer. The 29-year-old had legendary battles with the Australian skipper and once felled him with a vicious bouncer during the 2019 Lord’s Test. Jofra Archer’s return to cricket has not only seen his pace return but the English seamer hasn’t lost his hostility yet.