Can Australia rebound in time to win?
Australia’s national selectors have taken important steps towards refreshing and adding depth to the Test squad this summer, while maintaining a winning on-field record.
Comprehensive series wins over India and Sri Lanka have made it tough to criticise selection chairman George Bailey and his team, but attention now turns to the white-ball team, and whether enough is being done to prepare this team for its one-day international World Cup title defence in Africa in 2027.
Much to ponder: Australian captain Steve Smith has selection issues to address ahead of the Champion Trophy opener against England on Saturday. Credit: Getty Images
The conveyor belt that is international cricket means there is little time to rest, for the return of the Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus awaits. Australia open their campaign against England on Saturday night at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, but this is a far different team than the one that stormed to victory in the World Cup final in India in 2023.
Five players from Australia’s initial 15-man Champions Trophy squad – Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Mitch Marsh and Marcus Stoinis – have withdrawn because of injury, personal reasons and retirement. Four were among the XI of that famous win over India in Ahmedabad, while Stoinis was part of the squad.
Comprehensive series wins over India and Sri Lanka have made it tough to criticise selection chairman George Bailey and his team, but attention now turns to the white-ball team, and whether enough is being done to prepare this team for its one-day international World Cup title defence in Africa in 2027.
Much to ponder: Australian captain Steve Smith has selection issues to address ahead of the Champion Trophy opener against England on Saturday. Credit: Getty Images
The conveyor belt that is international cricket means there is little time to rest, for the return of the Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus awaits. Australia open their campaign against England on Saturday night at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, but this is a far different team than the one that stormed to victory in the World Cup final in India in 2023.
Five players from Australia’s initial 15-man Champions Trophy squad – Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Mitch Marsh and Marcus Stoinis – have withdrawn because of injury, personal reasons and retirement. Four were among the XI of that famous win over India in Ahmedabad, while Stoinis was part of the squad.
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