As the 2025 Champions Trophy draws closer, Australia find themselves in a precarious position, with a major void in their fast-bowling department. The absence of their formidable pacers—Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood—due to injuries has raised concerns. Adding to the worry was Mitchell Starc's decision to withdraw from Champions Trophy for personal reasons.
Concern is mounting in the aftermath of Australia’s 0-2 series whitewash against Sri Lanka in the two-match series. However, Australian captain Steve Smith remains steadfast and optimistic about team's prospects in the tournament. Australia will enter the Champions Trophy with a new-look squad. Meanwhile, Australia suffered a 174-run defeat in the second ODI against Sri Lanka at R. Premadasa Stadium on Friday.
"I think they've all got their own unique skills. For me, captaining them, it's about me communicating with them and trying to get the right option out of them at the right time," Smith said during the press conference.
“They all do it differently, Ben Dwarshius and Spencer Johnson up-top trying to swing the ball back down the line. Sean (Abbott) has lengths, Nathan Ellis has traffic change-ups and we've got a couple of spinners as well.
“(Adam) Zampa and Tanveer (Sangha) have good skills set, along with Maxwell, Short and Head. We've got plenty of part-time options, so we've got the bases covered and the guys are looking forward to getting to Pakistan and competing in another big event."
Australia's pace attack, traditionally one of the most feared, has been decimated by a series of injuries that have sidelined three of its best bowlers. Moreover, allrounder Mitchell Marsh also remains out following an injury and Marcus Stoinis announced ODI retirement recently, ruling himself out of the Champions Trophy as well.