Last Updated on 1 month by Charbel Coorey
Australia’s short preparation for the Champions Trophy started in shaky fashion, losing by 49 runs against Sri Lanka in Colombo. In addition to the injuries and withdrawals from their initial squad, it was a new-look team at Colombo with Jake Fraser-McGurk and Cooper Connolly handed opportunities with Travis Head, Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell rested.
Australia were unable to seal the Sri Lankan innings after reducing the hosts to 135/8, followed by a batting innings filled with rash strokeplay. The defeat served as a reminder of the task awaiting Australia in the coming weeks, but with a number of key players to slot in, there is still reason to be optimistic with the talent available.
Here is the final squad after Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis were all omitted for various reasons.
Squad: 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. Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly.
Going off the squad and the conditions teams will face in the Champions Trophy, here is my view on Australia’s best XI for the tournament.
Ideal Australia XI for the Champions Trophy: 1. Travis Head, 2. Josh Inglis, 3. Steve Smith (c), 4. Alex Carey (wk), 5. Marnus Labuschagne, 6. Aaron Hardie, 7. Glenn Maxwell, 8. Sean Abbott/Ben Dwarshuis, 9. Nathan Ellis, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Spencer Johnson
Josh Inglis and Alex Carey are two of Australia’s in-form batters and better players of spin. Inglis has impressed his limited opportunities as an ODI opener, and looks a more reliable option than Matt Short who is yet to find his feet in the format. It is the case even more so for Jake Fraser-McGurk.
Of course, Short can be an excellent option with his all-round game. However, his inclusion could have knock-on effects with any of the following possible:
- One of Alex Carey or Josh Inglis missing out
- Marnus Labuschagne missing out
- Aaron Hardie missing out
On Alex Carey, there is the argument one shouldn’t mix formats. The left-hander has been strong in red-ball cricket since the start of the 2024/25 Australian season. However, he was also terrific in the ODIs in England last year, hitting 164 runs at 82.00, including a matchwinning 74 at Leeds.
Carey also offers a proactive option in the middle against spin. While his dismissal in the first ODI against Sri Lanka was disappointing, he was looking excellent up until that point for his 41.
Aaron Hardie produced a promising performance in the first Sri Lanka ODI and gives Australia another seam-bowling option, which can come very handy with all the experience missing. His 2/13 and 32 (37) provides a glimpse of what he is capable of, but conditions may determine whether he or Matt Short are selected if both Inglis and Carey are in the XI.
With Marnus Labuschagne regularly backed by the team management, we can expect him to be in the XI. Plus, his greater experience can come in handy. However, he needs to find runs and fast.
On the bowling front, Nathan Ellis now has a vital role as arguably the leader of the attack. Spencer Johnson and Sean Abbott are the other two best frontline seam options in the squad. That being said, Ben Dwarshuis can find a spot if he performs well in Sri Lanka (if selected). Adam Zampa, Glenn Maxwell and Travis Head can provide the spin.
Verdict
With so much quality and experience unavailable, Australia faces an uphill task in the Champions Trophy. However, it is an opportunity for players to perform and make a name for themselves in international cricket.
The XI above gives Australia the most balance. They need a platform for the likes of Glenn Maxwell to finish strongly. With Travis Head and Josh Inglis up top, Australia have a duo that can complement each other perfectly and provide a strong start. Smith, Carey and Labuschagne can then consolidate, setting things up for the finish.
With the ball, it remains to be seen how effective this new-look attack will be on good batting conditions. So, wickets up top will be vital, while Adam Zampa needs to be at his wicket-taking best in the middle to keep teams in check.
Australia begin their Champions Trophy campaign against England on February 22 at Lahore.
