Two-time tournament champions, Australia, have announced their initial 15-player squad for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. The announcement has made headlines with the return of their captain, Pat Cummins.
Recently, it was confirmed that Pat Cummins would not be traveling with the Test team to Sri Lanka later this month due to an ankle injury. However, he will lead the Australian team in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
For the first time, Matt Short and Aaron Hardy have been included in the Australian squad for this ICC event, while fast bowler Nathan Ellis has also earned a spot in the squad.
There have been three changes to the squad from the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup-winning Australian team. David Warner has retired, Cameron Green is absent due to back surgery, and Shaun Abbott has been dropped.
Selection Chair George Bailey stated that the announced Australian team offers different options for the touring management based on the conditions expected in Pakistan.
Australia’s initial squad: Pat Cummins (captain), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardy, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa.
Nathan Ellis’ inclusion is a reward for his excellent form in the Big Bash League with the Hobart Hurricanes, who made it to the final of Australia’s domestic T20 tournament.
All-rounders Matt Short and Aaron Hardy will provide selectors with ample options for the conditions in Pakistan, while Nathan Ellis is a highly effective fast bowler capable of starting and finishing the game with the white ball.
Following David Warner’s retirement in November 2023, Matt Short has taken on an important role for the Australian team in ODIs, while Aaron Hardy has represented Australia in 11 50-over matches.
