Australia's Champions Trophy quest: Can they overcome key absences? | Cricket News – The Times of India

Team Australia (AP Photo)

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to commence in Pakistan and the UAE, starting February 19. This ninth edition of the tournament will feature eight of the best ODI teams, marking the first time the Champions Trophy is being played since 2017. The defending champions, Pakistan, will be hosting the tournament, while India will play all their matches in Dubai due to a hybrid model agreement.
The opening match of the tournament will see hosts Pakistan take on New Zealand in Karachi on February 19, setting the stage for a thrilling competition leading up to the final on March 9. Australia will kick off their campaign against England on February 22 in Lahore.
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Teams are divided in two groups:

Australia’s Champions Trophy hopes: Strength in batting, questions in bowling
Australia are serial winners in global ICC events, particularly in One Day Internationals. As the reigning ODI World Champions, they will once again be one of the big favourites at the ICC Champions Trophy. However, they have suffered a major setback, making as many as five forced changes to their original 15-member squad due to injuries, personal reasons, and retirement.
A tough road ahead for Australia
Regular captain Pat Cummins, star pacers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, key all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, and Marcus Stoinis are all unavailable for the tournament. This means Australia enter the competition with a significantly different squad from the one that triumphed in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
The absence of the experienced trio of Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood weakens their renowned pace attack, leaving the bowling unit with an inexperienced look. Spencer Johnson, Sean Abbott, and Nathan Ellis will be expected to step up in their absence.

Explosive batting key to Australia’s success
With a depleted bowling lineup, Australia’s experienced batters will have to shoulder most of the responsibility. Captain Steve Smith will lead from the front alongside Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, and Glenn Maxwell. The likes of Josh Inglis and young sensation Jake Fraser-McGurk add further firepower to an already formidable lineup.
Spin options and bowling balance
Adam Zampa remains Australia’s primary spinner, while Glenn Maxwell, Travis Head and Matt Short provide additional slow-bowling options. The pace attack will rely on Spencer Johnson’s left-arm swing, Sean Abbott’s ability to hit a hard length, and Nathan Ellis’ versatility.
A history of Champions Trophy dominance
Australia have won the ICC Champions Trophy twice, securing back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2009. No other team has a better record in global ICC events — six 50-over World Cups, one T20 World Cup, and two Champions Trophies make them the most formidable white-ball team in history.

Recent form and challenges
Despite their impressive history, Australia enter the tournament following a rough patch. They recently lost a two-match ODI series 0-2 to Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka, where they struggled against spin. Additionally, they suffered a 1-2 ODI series defeat to Pakistan at home. These results have raised concerns about their ability to adapt to subcontinental conditions.
Group Stage Fixtures

Australia’s Champions Trophy Squad

Trivia: Previous Champions Trophy Winners

Can Australia overcome the odds?
Despite their injury woes, Australia remain a strong contender. Their batting lineup is packed with proven match-winners and their aggressive approach in ICC events has always served them well. However, with a weakened bowling attack and recent struggles against spin, the big question remains: can they adapt and go all the way?
Australia will look to rely on their champion mentality, resilience, and experience as they chase their third ICC Champions Trophy title.