Australia are always a powerhouse in ICC tournaments, and alongside India, they head into every event as one of the favourites. They’ve got a history of stepping up in big moments, but this time, some injury concerns might just throw a wrench in their plans. Skipper Pat Cummins may have taken his side to a historic BGT win but it took a massive toll on his body.
Cricket 2 mins Rating Pakistan’s Champions Trophy squad: One frontline spinner, inexperienced batters makes them 6/10Australia Squad for ICC Champions Trophy
Pat Cummins (captain), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, & (Marsh replacement yet to be named)
Australia Strongest Playing XI for ICC Champions Trophy
S. NoPlayerRole1Travis HeadBatting all-rounder2Matthew ShortBatting all-rounder3Steve SmithBatter4Marnus Labuschagne Batter5Marcus StoinisAll-rounder6Glenn MaxwellAll-rounder7Josh InglisKeeper8Pat Cummins Bowling All-rounder9Mitchell StarcPacer10Josh HazlewoodPacer11Adam ZampaLeg-spinnerBench: Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Alex Carey, Mitchel Marsh replacementMisses for Australia at ICC Champions Trophy
The biggest setback for Australia is the loss of Mitchell Marsh, who has been ruled out with a back injury. Marsh was a crucial part of their 2023 World Cup-winning campaign, smashing match-winning knocks and offering handy overs with the ball. His absence leaves a gap that won’t be easy to fill. If available, he would’ve definitely opened alongside Head.
To make matters worse, captain Pat Cummins is also carrying an ankle injury, while Josh Hazlewood is coming off a calf issue. Hazlewood, one of the best all-format pacers, had to sit out of the BGT and hasn’t played enough cricket recently. These two are among the best pacers in the world, and if they aren’t at full fitness, Australia could struggle in the pace department. With Nathan Ellis as the only other specialist fast bowler alongside Mitchell Starc, they’ll be hoping their key men recover in time.
Over dependency on Glenn Maxwell
Some players become so important for a team that they become the fulcrum of a side. Jasprit Bumrah for India is so important that without him, India become half dangerous as they actually are. That can be said about Glenn Maxwell as well. Despite being extremely inconsistent sometimes, Maxwell would be the wheel rolling Australia’s side this time.
He is that X-factor. He bats aggressively, can bowl and entire quota of 10 overs on his best days and is a gun fielder. Just remember his ODI World Cup 2023 knock against Afghanistan. If you remove Maxwell from this side, you will surely lessen Australia’s chances to do well in the tournament.
Hits for Australia at ICC Champions Trophy
Despite these setbacks, this Australian squad is still packed with match-winners. Glenn Maxwell is the X-factor, capable of turning games on his own with his aggressive batting, clever off-spin, and electric fielding. Travis Head and Steve Smith bring stability, while all-rounders like Marcus Stoinis and Aaron Hardie add depth. Smith and Marnus Labuschagne are two of the most dependable middle-order batters in the world and their attacking abilities are still underrated.
Adam Zampa remains their go-to spinner, backed by part-time options like Maxwell and Matthew Short. Alex Carey provides another wicketkeeping option and could also play as a specialist batter if needed. While Josh Inglis should be the first-choice keeper considering he is a superb batter against spin.
If Cummins and Hazlewood can regain full fitness, Australia will still be one of the toughest teams to beat. But with Marsh missing and a few question marks over their bowling depth, they might not have the same dominance they’ve had in past tournaments. Still, with their firepower and experience, they are strong contenders to go all the way.
Rating Australia ICC Champions Trophy squad: 8.5/10 for injuries to Cummins, Marsh; Maxwell the MVP Inside Sport India.
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