/betbarter/media/agency_attachments/3YXcMKaocLoKtpo5Mw2o.png)
/betbarter/media/media_files/2025/02/12/zi3CFrw0VXwa5nPmPG7P.jpg)
Australia will now shift their focus to the 50-over format after a dominant Test series win in Sri Lanka. With two ODIs against the Lankans as their final preparation for the Champions Trophy, they have already suffered significant setbacks. Regular skipper Pat Cummins, along with Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh, has been ruled out due to injuries.
Adding to their woes, Marcus Stoinis unexpectedly announced his retirement from ODIs despite initially being named in the squad. As a result, four replacements need to be named and Cricket Australia has added several fresh faces to their ODI squad for the series against Sri Lanka.
Sean Abbott, Tanveer Sangha, Cooper Connolly, Spencer Johnson, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Ben Dwarshuis have joined the team. These matches will serve as the final opportunity for players to impress before the final Champions Trophy squad is confirmed.
Reports suggest that Steve Smith is likely to lead the side in Cummins' absence. He recently captained the Test team and is in exceptional form, having scored four centuries in his last five Tests.
In between these Tests, he smashed an unbeaten century (121*) and a fifty for Sydney Sixers in the recent Big Bash League (BBL). His confidence will be sky-high, and Australian fans will hope he carries that into the Champions Trophy.
ODI vice-captain Travis Head will also be a key figure. His aggressive batting has made him a global threat across formats, and he recently won Australia’s Men’s Cricketer of the Year and ODI Player of the Year awards. He was also the Player of the Match in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, where Australia defeated India in Ahmedabad.
With Smith and Head in great form, much will depend on them. Players like Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell must step up, especially Maxwell with his all-round abilities. Mitchell Starc will lead the pace attack, while Adam Zampa remains the frontline spinner.
The absence of key players could open doors for someone like Nathan Ellis or Matthew Short to prove themselves with match-winning performances in crunch situations.
Australia’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.
Captain: Steve Smith.
Vice-captain: Not named.
Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at BetBarter and download the BetBarter app to start betting today!