As the winners of the last two ICC ODI tournaments, Australia and England should be among the favorites for the 2025 Champions Trophy. However, both teams enter the tournament with little momentum. Australia recently suffered heavy defeats in Sri Lanka, further hampered by the absence of key players. Their batting unit has struggled, failing to cross 200 in their last four ODIs. Though they boast experienced batters like Travis Head, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Glenn Maxwell, their bowling attack, missing the trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, remains a concern. Having won this tournament twice before, Australia will be eager to turn things around, especially after failing to win a single game in the last two editions.

England, on the other hand, have no major injury concerns but come into this event after a disappointing ODI World Cup campaign in India. Under new white-ball coach Brendon McCullum, they aim for redemption and hope to add the Champions Trophy to their collection, completing the ICC white-ball treble. Their batting lineup, featuring Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith, and Joe Root, will look forward to playing on Pakistan’s batting-friendly pitches.

With both teams desperate for a strong start, this high-stakes rivalry could shape their tournament fate. A loss here could severely dent qualification hopes in this short-format competition.

Match Details:

📅 When: February 22, 2025, 2:30 PM IST
📍 Where: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
🌤 What to expect: A high-scoring game, given the run-fest seen in the recent tri-series at this venue. Warm weather conditions are expected.

Team News:

Australia

The key question for Australia lies in their bowling attack. With Adam Zampa leading an inexperienced group, they will need to step up.

Probable XI: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Steve Smith (C), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey (WK), Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa.

England

England will stick to their aggressive brand of cricket, with captain Jos Buttler confirming Jamie Smith’s promotion to No.3 as a “free hit.” Joe Root moving to No.4 should add stability to a middle order that struggled in India.

Probable XI: Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (WK), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (C), Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.

What They Said

“He’s got the game technically and tactically, but his temperament is a huge strength. Nothing fazes him. He could bat anywhere in the order.” – Jos Buttler on Jamie Smith’s promotion.

With both teams seeking a strong start, this Australia vs. England clash promises high stakes, high intensity, and potential fireworks on the field.

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