Australia’s Impact In ICC Events Lauded By Ex-India Batters Before Champions Trophy 2025

Before the start of the Champions Trophy, Australia faced Sri Lanka in a two-match ODI series away from home, where their batters struggled against home spinners. None of them could stand tall in the middle in both encounters.

In the last two editions of the tournament, the Steve Smith-led side hasn’t won a single contest, as their last victory in the event came in the final of the 2009 season against New Zealand.

Australia hit by long list of injuries before Champions Trophy

The captain of the current World Cup in 2023, Pat Cummins, will not take part in the eight-team tournament, along with the lanky pacer, Josh Hazlewood, who picked up a hip injury just before the tournament.

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Their two all-rounder will also miss the event. Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out for the next few weeks due to a back injury, while Marcus Stoinis announced a sudden retirement from the 50-over format.

Recently, the left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc revealed that he won’t take part in the Champions Trophy due to personal reasons. That pushed the selectors to make many last-minute changes in the squad.

Suresh Raina warns India about this Australian player for Champions Trophy

The former left-arm spin all-rounder of the Indian side, Suresh Raina, feels that Australia’s recent performance in the bilateral series will always give them confidence for the tournament.

“I think Australia is always a great team. See, in ICC events, they are always a powerful side. Also, they won the Test series recently. They have got names and players for this competition, and they have also won the ICC 2023 ODI World Cup.” Raina expressed on Star Sports.

“I believe they have so good openers in the side. Travis Head is in great tough, whether in the IPL or the World Cup last year or even in the home Test series. Whenever he bats in any ICC event, he always contributes and bats in an aggressive mood with a good rhythm. I think he will be there base.” He revealed.

The former World Cup winner also kept the 2009 champions of the tournament as favorite for the 2025 season.

“Before the start of the Champions Trophy, Australia will always be a favorite to claim the title.”

“Don’t count Australia out as yet”- Sanjay Bangar

The former Indian batting coach, Sanjay Bangar, reckons the current ODI champions would remain a powerful side even after the need to make some changes to the side.

“I reckon Australia is a powerful side now, and they have not some incredible experience into the squad. Yeah, they will have a few changes because some of their players are injured. The mindset of the team is so good that puts them through the tough periods.” Bangar addressed.

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“Whether they have big names in the squad or not, the fabric of the particular side is so good that they will find ways to win from hopeless situations.” The former Indian batting coach explained on Star Sports.

Bangar keeps faith in standing captain Steve Smith to pull them out of the crunch situation in the event.

“The 50-format is the game of 300 deliveries. That means the game goes on for a long time, and that’s why Steve Smith’s role will be so essential. If they have to do well, the Smith has to score runs. I feel they have a great chance of winning the event, and don’t count them out as yet.” Sanjay Bangar concluded.

The opening game of the Champions Trophy 2025 for Australia will be against England at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.