Pat Cummins has been named captain of Australia’s squad for the Champions Trophy, as part of a preliminary 15-man team unveiled on Tuesday. The squad also includes fellow pacer Josh Hazlewood, marking his return to international cricket.
Cummins will sit out the Test series in Sri Lanka scheduled for January and early February due to personal reasons. However, he will rejoin the Australian side for the one-day international (ODI) tournament, set to take place in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 19 to March 9. Hazlewood, who missed the final two Tests in Australia’s recent series win against India due to calf and side injuries, will reunite with Cummins and Mitchell Starc to lead Australia’s pace attack, a formidable unit that has brought the team significant success over the years.
The squad largely retains the core group that clinched the 50-over World Cup title in 2023, with 12 members of that championship team included. However, opener Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has struggled with form, has not been selected. Among the newer faces, all-rounders Matt Short and Aaron Hardie, along with fast bowler Nathan Ellis, are the least experienced, having played fewer than a dozen ODIs each.
The Champions Trophy’s ninth edition will predominantly be hosted in Pakistan, except for matches involving India, which will be held in the UAE due to political considerations. Australia is grouped with Afghanistan, England, and South Africa in the opening stage of the tournament.
The squad comprises a mix of seasoned players and emerging talent, with the likes of Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Adam Zampa providing experience alongside newer names. The inclusion of versatile players like Mitch Marsh and Marcus Stoinis ensures depth in both batting and bowling departments, while Alex Carey and Josh Inglis strengthen the wicketkeeping options.
Australia’s Champions Trophy squad:
Pat Cummins (captain), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.