Pat Cummins included in Australia’s preliminary squad for Champions Trophy 2025

Australian selectors have announced their preliminary squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 tournament. Pat Cummins, who is yet recovering from his injury, has been included in the side and is set to lead the side. The 31-year-old was sidelined from the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka with Steve Smith stepping in as captain.

Josh Hazlewood who missed three out of the five Tests against India recently due to injury, is also part of the squad. One name missing from the team is that of young opening sensation Jake-Fraser McGurk. This would mean that Matthew Short is likely to open the batting with Travis Head. 

The current ODI World Cup winners are placed in the same group as England, South Africa, and Afghanistan. It is to be noted that Australia has won the Champions Trophy in two occasions. Their first title win came in 2006 event beating West Indies in the finals, and their second title win came in 2009 where they beat New Zealand in the finals. 

Australia looking to end 15-year wait for Champions Trophy title

Pat Cummins, since taking over as the leader of the team has won all the major titles. The 31-year-old has won the Ashes, World Test Championship title, ODI World Cup trophy, and also the Border Gavaskar Trophy. The two time winners will come into the tournament as one of the strong contenders. 

Speaking about the team, Nathan Ellis has also been included after his amazing performance during the ongoing Big Bash League. The right-arm pacer has the ability to outfox the batters with his skills especially in the final few overs of the innings. 

Speaking to the media after announcing the squad, Australia’s chief selector George Bailey said, “It offers a variety of options for touring management depending on opposition and the conditions that may present in Pakistan. 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.”

The Australians will begin their tournament with the game against England on 22nd February to be played in Lahore. Their next match is against South Africa in Rawalpindi on 25th, followed by the match against Afghanistan on 28th February. 

Australia’s preliminary squad for Champions Trophy 2025

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