The Cricket Australia Selectors played it safe and stuck to experience as they announced their 15 member squad for the Champions Trophy next month, providing a long rope to a few and resisting the inclusion of the young guns and recent performers in the just concluded Border – Gavaskar Trophy.
There was a surprise omission in the form of young Jake Fraser-Mcgurk, who has been struggling for form and his poor scores in the ongoing BBL did no good for his cause. However, the 22 year old is an exceptional talent and it won’t be long that he comes back into the Australia white ball fold at least.
READ New Zealand Announce Squad For Champions Trophy’25
Beau Webster, with his amazing debut at Sydney in the Test Series had bolstered his chances for selection considering Mitch Marsh’s indifferent form, missed the bus as well. The selectors led by George Bailey reposed faith in Mitch Marsh considering his white ball credentials and his experience to go with it.
Matt Short, who has been average with the Australian team and Marcus Stoinis, got a long rope too whereas Sean Abbott was unlucky to be excluded from the squad making way for Nathan Ellis.
Despite Pat Cummins’ injury concerns, the selectors have gone ahead with his selection and hope that he will lead Australia to victory in the Champions Trophy. The Kangaroos are a force in International Cricket and howsoever their form may be, they always remain a dangerous side and one of the favourites.
The Squad: Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazelwood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
Australia Group B Fixtures
February 22 : vs England, Lahore
February 25 : vs South Africa, Rawalpindi
February 28 : vs Afghanistan, Lahore
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