Australia face tough Champions Trophy challenge without key players

Australia’s depleted squad looks to overcome struggles in bid for first title since 2009.

Steve Smith of Australia during a nets session at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Lahore, Pakistan, on February 19, 2025. Photo by Matthew Lewis/ICC/Getty Images

By Yuni Utomo and Adila Ghina

Australia head into the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy with their squad severely weakened by injuries and absences, making their bid for a first title since 2009 a daunting task. The defending World Cup champions will be without their veteran fast-bowling trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, leaving a major gap in their attack.

Cummins (ankle) and Hazlewood (hip) are both sidelined due to injuries, while Starc has opted out of the tournament for personal reasons. The absence of these three pacers—who collectively boast 525 ODI wickets from 308 matches—leaves Australia without the core of their bowling attack.

The situation is further complicated by the absence of all-rounders Mitchell Marsh (back injury) and Marcus Stoinis, who recently retired. With half of their usual lineup missing, Australia’s depth will be tested as they face strong opposition in the tournament.

Leg-spinner Adam Zampa is the only frontline bowler from Australia’s established attack still available. The team’s lack of experience in the bowling department was exposed in their recent 2-0 ODI series defeat to Sri Lanka, a team that failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy. That loss extended Australia’s winless run in ODIs to four matches, highlighting concerns over their ability to compete at the highest level.

Bowling inexperience raises concerns

Australia’s inexperienced pace attack has emerged as a significant weakness ahead of the tournament. The seamers selected for the Champions Trophy—Spencer Johnson, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Ben Dwarshuis, and all-rounder Aaron Hardie—have played just 52 ODIs combined, taking a total of 56 wickets.

Death bowling is a particular area of concern, as none of these bowlers have proven themselves consistently in high-pressure situations. However, chief selector George Bailey remains confident that Australia’s squad has the firepower to perform.

"We have a range of options to shape the playing XI within the tournament depending on the opposition and conditions we face," Bailey said, emphasizing the team’s flexibility in squad selection.

Australia have been drawn in Group B alongside England, South Africa, and Afghanistan. Their opening match against England on Saturday in Lahore will be a crucial test of their credentials.

Johnson is expected to take on Starc’s role as the new-ball strike bowler, tasked with making early breakthroughs—a skill that has defined Starc’s success over the years. The left-armer is eager to step up.

"It's obviously something I've pictured in my mind, to come in and play a similar role to him (Starc)," Johnson said. "Hopefully I can replicate some of the stuff he's done."

Smith leads depleted Australia in search of redemption

With Cummins absent, Steve Smith has been given the responsibility of leading Australia in the Champions Trophy. The experienced batter will be joined by Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, and Josh Inglis in what remains a dangerous batting lineup.

However, concerns persist over the form of Marnus Labuschagne, who has struggled to make an impact in recent ODIs. Additionally, Australia are still searching for a reliable opening partner for Head following David Warner’s retirement. Youngsters Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short have yet to establish themselves, but one of them will be given another opportunity at the top of the order.

Reflecting on Australia’s poor showing in Sri Lanka, Smith acknowledged the team’s struggles but viewed the series as a valuable learning experience.

"The Sri Lanka series was another learning curve," Smith said. "Cummins, Hazlewood, and Starc will certainly be missed, but it gives some guys an opportunity, and I thought some of the guys who had a chance in the last two games bowled really nicely."

Despite his vast international experience, Smith has never played an ODI in Pakistan and is unsure of what conditions to expect. However, he remains confident that Australia’s batters can adapt.

"The ball skids on probably a little bit more (in Pakistan)," he said. "So it's potentially better for batting, but you've got to rock up, assess it, and play to the conditions on the day. We've got a 15-man squad, quite a few batters to choose from, and we'll pick whatever we feel is best for each scenario we face."

Can Australia overcome the odds?

Australia’s depleted squad faces a massive challenge as they attempt to reclaim the Champions Trophy. With a struggling pace attack, an unsettled batting order, and recent form working against them, they must find a way to overcome their deficiencies.

While history shows that Australia thrive in ICC tournaments, their current squad lacks the experience and depth that has traditionally defined their success. If Smith and his team can find a way to navigate these challenges, they could yet prove their doubters wrong. However, if their struggles continue, their wait for a third Champions Trophy title may extend well beyond 2025.

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