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Cricket Australia on Monday, January 13 announced 15-member preliminary squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. In a surprising call, Pat Cummins returned into the setup as he is all set to lead the side once again in an ICC major after reports of injury surfaced surrounding the Aussie skipper.
While Cummins will continue at helm after skipping the Sri Lanka tour, starting at the end of this month, injured pacer Josh Hazlewood has also been named in the side. Notably, Hazlewood missed three Tests in the recently-concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy after he was struggling with calf and side strain.
Pat Cummins to return despite carrying knee injury for Champions Trophy 2025
Moreover, the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Short and Adam Zampa have made a return in the setup for the marquee tournament, while opener Jake Fraser-McGurk, who opened for Australia in majority of ODIs , has been dumped. Speaking on the squad announcement, Chief Selector George Bailey said, "This is a balanced and experienced squad with the core having been involved in the previous one-day World Cup, the West Indies series, last year's successful tour of the UK and the more recent Pakistan home series.”
"It offers a variety of options for touring management depending on opposition and the conditions that may present in Pakistan," he continued. It is to be noted that Australia has been placed in Group B alongside England, South Africa and Afghanistan. They will kickstart their campaign against The Three Lions on Saturday, February 22 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, followed by a match each against South Africa (February 25) and Afghanistan (February 28).
Australia’s squad for Champions Trophy 2025
Pat Cummins (Captain), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.