How ready is Australia for the ICC Champions Trophy?

inclusion of all-rounder image Sky Reuters

The tournament is set to begin in Pakistan on February 19, where Australia will play group-stage matches against England, South Africa and Afghanistan. These games will serve as crucial tests for Australia's campaign, especially in the challenging conditions in Pakistan.

Matt Short and Aaron Hardy have been named in the 15-man squad for their first ICC tournament, a significant milestone in their careers. The inclusion reflects the selectors' strategy of blending youth with experience. Chief selector George Bailey described the squad as "balanced and experienced", emphasising the importance of having players who have been successful in recent ODI series.

Bailey noted that several members of the squad have played key roles in Australia's recent successes, including the latest ODI World Cup and tours of England and the West Indies. The selectors took into account the unique circumstances of Pakistan and the opposition team while finalising the squad.

Australia's bowling attack is heavily reliant on pacers, with the likes of Cummins, Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Ellis among the strong contenders. Adam Zampa is the only specialist spinner who has capitalised on the pacers' success in Pakistan to shape the team's strategy. Since 2019,

pacers have taken 199 wickets in 23 ODIs in Pakistan at an economy rate of 5.77, while spinners have taken 120 wickets. These figures have played a key role in the team management's decision to focus on pace.

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Mitchell Starc, a proven performer in ICC tournaments, will lead the attack alongside Cummins and Hazlewood. Nathan Ellis, known for his death-bowling skills, adds versatility to the lineup. The inclusion of Adam Jumper ensures that the team has a capable spinner who can sometimes exploit favourable conditions at the turn.

Josh Hazlewood has been named in Australia's Champions Trophy squad despite not fully recovering from injury. Pat Cummins and Hazlewood have been left out of Australia's main bowling line-up for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. Cummins, who is currently on paternity leave, is also battling an ankle injury and will undergo scans to assess the severity.

Meanwhile, Hazlewood is resting due to a muscle strain and is undergoing rehabilitation to ensure full fitness ahead of the Champions Trophy. However, Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed that both Cummins and Hazlewood will be part of their plans for the Champions Trophy.

Australia's batting line-up is equally impressive with stars like David Warner, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. Warner's aggressive approach at the top of the order is expected to set the tone in crucial matches. Smith and Labuschagne's ability to anchor the innings will bring stability to the middle order.

The inclusion of all-rounders like Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis adds balance to the team. Maxwell's ability to contribute with both bat and ball is a valuable asset, while Stoinis adds depth to the batting line-up and provides additional pace-bowling options. Matt Short, known for his explosive batting in domestic cricket, can play a key role in the middle order

Captain Pat Cummins will lead the team once he returns to full fitness, bringing his tactical acumen and leadership experience. The team management is confident in his ability to inspire the team in high-pressure situations.

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Australia's preparations for the Champions Trophy include extensive planning to adapt to the conditions in Pakistan. The pitches are expected to be batsmen-friendly, but the team's emphasis on pace and all-round options allows flexibility in team selection.

The group-stage matches against England, South Africa and Afghanistan will test Australia's ability to perform against a variety of opponents. England's attacking spirit, South Africa's all-round strength and Afghanistan's spin-heavy attack present unique challenges.

The Australian team has also benefited from recent series wins, which have boosted their confidence ahead of the tournament. The team management has stressed the importance of maintaining fitness and focus ahead of the event.

Australia, who have a rich history in ICC tournaments, will be aiming to add another title to their glorious record. The inclusion of promising newcomers alongside experienced players reflects the team's vision for long-term success.

Chief selector Bailey expressed optimism about the squad's potential, highlighting the players' commitment to excellence. The Champions Trophy will serve as a platform for Australia to showcase their depth and resilience in international cricket.

The team's strategy will revolve around building partnerships with the bat, exploiting early successes with the ball and maintaining composure in difficult situations. The team is expected to arrive in Pakistan early to acclimatise to the conditions.

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