Match 4 of the Champions Trophy 2025 between Australia and England will take place on February 22 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Following a 2-0 loss to Sri Lanka in the ODI series, Australia is without their main bowlers, Josh Hazelwood, captain Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc. The four players are out with injuries, while great all-rounder Marcus Stoinis withdrew after retiring from the format, so they have also lost Mitchell Marsh.
However, England lost to India by significant scores of 1-4 and 0-3, respectively, in both the T20I and ODI series. In order to succeed, they will need to revise their earlier ideas and effectively adjust to the conditions on the subcontinent. Additionally, they only have Adil Rashid as a spinner, and every other alternative is either inexperienced or only available occasionally.
Toss Update
Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first. Though England did not make any substantial changes to their playing XI, Australia entered with a tweak.
Australia play Marnus Labuschagne in place of Jake Fraser-McGurk
Their opener, and occasional number three, Jake Fraser-McGurk played in the last ODI against Sri Lanka. But the Kangaroos have decided to place their bets on Marnus Labuschagne, who played the first ODI. This is to bolster their middle order.
Captain’s say
Steven Smith (Australia)
We’re gonna have a bowl.. Looks a pretty good surface. There’s a bit of dew when we were practising, so we’ll like to chase later on. Short, Head, myself, Marnus, Inglis, Carey, Maxwell, Dwarshuis, Ellis, Spencer Johnson and Zampa. (On playing two left-handed pacers) Little bit of swing up top, we’ll try to utilise that as much as possible. (Carey) He’s been batting really nicely. The two keepers played together in the Test matches, worked out well and both are quality batters. Always exciting, looking forward to getting started today.
Jos Buttler (England)
We probably would have batted, we were a bit 50-50 whether the dew comes in or not. Looks a really good surface, look to try and make good first use of it. We are not trying to hide anything, we are very confident. We are really excited for the game and guys are in a really good place. Anytime you play Australia in an ICC event, you want to be part of. (On Jamie Smith) Very unflappable, immense talent with a great head on his shoulders. Gives us a chance to have a dynamic top three and some good guys behind him.
Champions Trophy 2025 Teams:
Australia (Playing XI)
Matthew Short, Travis Head, Steven Smith(c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis(w), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson
England (Playing XI)
Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith(w), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler(c), Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood
India
