ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025: WILL HEAVYWEIGHTS AUSTRALIA ADD MORE GLOSS TO THEIR TROPHY CABINET?

Australia have a habit of making it big in ICC tournaments, and the upcoming Champions Trophy could be another platform for them to add more silverware to their rich cabinet. Australia are two-time winners of the Champions Trophy and six-time winners of the ODI World Cup.

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Australia have a habit of making it big in ICC tournaments, and the upcoming Champions Trophy could be another platform for them to add more silverware to their rich cabinet. Australia are two-time winners of the Champions Trophy and six-time winners of the ODI World Cup. That's eight major pieces of silverware in 50-over ICC global tournaments. Notably, the Aussies won the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, and the 2025 Champions Trophy is a massive opportunity for them to showcase their dominance. Australia suffered a blip with Mitchell Marsh getting ruled out of the tourney. Captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are also out of the tournament due to injuries. On the other hand, Marcus Stoinis has announced retirement from the ODI format.

Australia need to find able replacements. One expects a new entrant in the coming days. Many feel, hard-hitter Jake Fraser-McGurk could get a look in. Spencer Johnson is likely to replace Cummins. Ahead of the Champions Trophy, Australia will play a couple of ODIS against Sri Lanka. Australia are placed in Group B of the tournament to be held in Pakistan and the UAE. They are set to face the likes of Afghanistan, England and South Africa in what seems to be a tricky group. However, going by their exploits, the Aussies are expected to come out and make it to the semifinals. Australia have plenty of experience riding under their sleeves and this means signs of positivity. Ahead of the tournament, we decode the strengths, weaknesses and analysis of the Aussies.

AUSTRALIA SQUAD: Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa (four players will be added)