Australia Squad For Champions Trophy 2025: Matt Short & Aaron Hardie Earn Maiden ICC Event Call Up in Pat Cummins' Side

All-rounders Matthew Short and Aaron Hardie earn maiden ICC event calls as defending ODI World champions Australia on Monday (January 13) named their 15-member squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan and UAE.

The return of Pat Cummins headlines Australia's preliminary squad as the skipper will continue to lead the side in Pakistan, after it was recently confirmed he isn't traveling to Sri Lanka with the Test side later this month due to an ankle problem.

Apart from Short and Hardie, Nathan Ellis has also earned a spot in the squad, making them the three changes to the squad that won the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, replacing David Warner (retired), Cameron Green (back surgery) and Sean Abbott.

Ellis, who is an effective quick that can open and close with the white ball, has been rewarded for strong Big Bash League form with the Hobart Hurricanes, who have locked in a finals berth in Australia's domestic T20 tournament.

All-rounders Short and Hardie will offer selectors plenty of versatility for the Australian side. Short has been a One Day International mainstay for the Aussies wince Warner's retirement in November 2023, while Hardie has also represented Australia in 50-over cricket 11 times.

"It offers a variety of options for touring management depending on opposition and the conditions that may present in Pakistan," said selection chair George Bailey as quoted by ICC.

Ellis will be join the big three of the pace attack in Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood with all-rounders Marcus Stoinis, Hardie and Mitchell Marsh also expected to roll their arms over for gentle medium pace if required.

Adam Zampa is the lone specialist spinner in the line up with Glen Maxwell and Short also in the squad to provide support. Travis Head is expected to open the batting alongside Marsh or Short, while Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne solidify the top four.

Alex Carey and Josh Inglis will battle for the wicketkeeper spot in the line up as Australia aim to win the Champions Trophy for the first time since winning the tournament back in 2006 and 2009. Here is a look at Australia squad for Champions Trophy 2025 followed by their group stage schedule:

Australia Champions Trophy Squad

Pat Cummins (captain), Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wicketkeeper), Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

Australia's Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule

Australia, who have been drawn in Group B, will open their campaign against fierce rivals England in Lahore. The 2009 Champions Trophy winners will then travel to Rawalpindi to face South Africa in their second group stage match before returning to Lahore to meet Afghanistan. Here is a look at the fixtures:

• 22 February: Australia vs England, Lahore
• 25 February: Australia vs South Africa, Rawalpindi
• 28 February: Australia vs Afghanistan, Lahore