Australia vs England: Champions Trophy 2025 Opener Set for February 22 in Lahore:

Rivalries will be renewed on February 22 as Australia takes on England during the Champions Trophy at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Both teams have faced humiliation in ODI cricket lately, with Sri Lanka beating Australia 2-0 and India beating England 3-0. Neither team has the luxury to lose during the championship, as a loss could throw them in a difficult position on the table, as well as lower their confidence levels.

Unfortunately, several Australian cricketers had to withdraw from the tournament due to injuries, with the pacing trio of Cummins, Hazlewood, and Starc being joined by Marsh and Green. Interestingly, Marcus Stoinis, who was named in the 15-member squad, announced his retirement from ODI cricket, which leaves him unavailable for selection.

Ben Stokes will also be out of the England squad due to a hamstring injury. On the bright side, Joffra Archer is fit and will be crucial for the team in the marquee tournament. The Three Lions have also confirmed their playing XI, and interestingly, young keeper-batter Jamie Smith has moved up to number three, therefore forcing Joe Root, Harry Brook and Jos Buttler to the order lower down.

Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore’s Pitch Report:

The bowler-friendly surface in Lahore usually supports the batters which means that a high-scoring encounter is expected. The side batting first certainly has an advantage and their score can be aggressively defended. Dew can play a role in second innings.

Gaddafi Stadium, Karachi – The ODI Numbers Game.

Total matches: 69

Matches won batting first: 35

Matches won bowling first: 32

Average 1st innings score: 269

Highest team total: 375

Highest total successfully chased: 349

Full squads:

Australia squad: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steven Smith (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey

England Squad: Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Jamie Overton, Saqib Mahmood, Tom Banton, Gus Atkinson