Australia’s middle-order maestro, Steve Smith, has been named captain for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, set to take place from February 19 to March 9. The tournament will be hosted across three venues in Pakistan and one in Dubai. Smith’s appointment as skipper was confirmed on Wednesday, February 12, following Pat Cummins’ withdrawal from the eight-team competition due to injury.
Australia’s squad has undergone significant changes, with several key players missing out. Fast bowlers Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Cummins, along with all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis, have been replaced by Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Spencer Johnson, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Tanveer Sangha. While Cummins, Hazlewood, and Marsh were ruled out due to injuries, Starc made a last-minute decision to withdraw from the tournament, though he has chosen not to comment on the reasons behind his decision. Meanwhile, Stoinis officially announced his retirement from the 50-over format last week.
With the absence of Australia’s premier fast-bowling trio and two key all-rounders, Nathan Ellis, captain of the Hobart Hurricanes, will spearhead the team’s bowling attack. He will be supported by Abbott, while Johnson, a left-arm pacer similar to Starc, may also find a place in the playing XI.
Starc’s unexpected withdrawal on Wednesday took many fans by surprise. However, Cricket Australia, through chief selector George Bailey, has assured full support for the veteran pacer, who has represented Australia in 127 ODIs.
As Steve Smith takes charge of a revamped squad, Australia will look to adapt quickly to the changes and make a strong statement in their bid for Champions Trophy glory.
