Nathan Ellis, the Australian pacer recently acquired by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for INR 2 crore in the IPL 2025 auction, emerged as a surprise inclusion in Australia’s 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Ellis edged out the most experienced. bowlers such as Sean Abbott and Xavier Bartlett to claim their place as fourth seamer, joining the established trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh. Hazlewood.
The selectors seemed to have gotten carried away by his performances in the recent domestic and T20 leagues. While Ellis has been a consistent performer in limited overs cricket, his selection over Abbott, who has been a regular in Australia’s white-ball teams, indicates the faith the team management has in his potential to deliver. experienced trio.
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Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood return
The Australia team also features the return of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, who will miss the Test tour of Sri Lanka due to personal and injury-related reasons. Cummins, who will captain the team, is currently on paternity leave for the birth of his second child and is also dealing with an ankle problem he suffered during the India Test series. Meanwhile, Hazlewood has recovered from a calf injury that kept him out of action recently.
New comprehensive options
Aaron Hardie and Matthew Short bring versatile and well-rounded options to the team. Short, fresh off an impressive 109 off 54 balls for Adelaide Strikers in the BBL, has proven to be a destructive batsman who can also contribute with the ball. Hardie, although not currently bowling due to injury, remains a valuable pick for his middle-order batting. Short will also be the spin bowling option alongside Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell.
The batting line-up features experienced names such as Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head, with Alex Carey returning to the side. Carey, who impressed against England last year, is likely to play a dual role as a middle-order batsman and backup wicketkeeper to Josh Inglis, who is recovering from a calf problem.
Adam Zampa leads the spinning department and his role will be crucial on Pakistan’s subcontinental pitches where the conditions are likely to help the spinners. He is the only player on the team apart from the part-time options of Maxwell and Short.
Australia will begin their campaign in Group B alongside England, South Africa and Afghanistan. Their group stage matches will be played on February 22 (against England), February 25 (against South Africa) and February 28 (against Afghanistan). The hybrid model of the tournament will include matches played in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, with the final taking place on March 9 in Lahore or Dubai.
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Australia squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy
Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Ellis’ inclusion has added an intriguing subplot to Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign. With a balanced and experienced team, they will aim to add another ICC trophy to their already impressive collection.
