Two perennial rivals will run into each other this coming Saturday as Australia and England kick-off their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with the game against each other. This important clash in Group B will be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Afghanistan and South Africa are two other teams in this group.
Though this particular fixture always live up to the billing, but this time around, the quality of cricket might not be as high as we normally expect from both these cricket giants due to their patchy form and the absence of high-profile players.
Australia’s woes are well-documented as the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Marsh, Hosh Hazlewood and Marcus Stoinis all are missing. England, on the other hand, are also going through a transition period while their form has been poor to say the least in recent games.
Australia vs England Pitch Report, Toss Impact
Pitch Report: The surface at the Gaddafi Stadium is more on the balanced side. There can be an early movement for the bowlers with the new ball, while spinners should get some purchase later in the match. But once a batsman gets settled, scoring runs should be easy.
Toss Impact: Captain winning the toss is likely to bat first but the toss shouldn’t impact the proceedings as playing conditions are likely to remain same throughout the match.
ODI Stats at Gaddafi Stadium
| Total Matches | 68 |
| Won Batting First | 35 |
| Won Batting Second | 32 |
| No Result | 1 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 254 |
| Highest Score | 375/3 |
| Lowest Score | 75/10 |
Also Read: AUS vs ENG Betting Tips
Australia vs England: Lahore Weather Report
Weather Report: There’s 50% chance of rain in Lahore on Thursday, but weather should remain clear on Saturday, on the day of the match between Australia and England. Humidity level could be as high as 75% while windspeed should remain around 10 km/h.
Australia vs England Team News
Australia Team News:
- There’s no other team that is as badly hit as Australia when it comes to injuries and absentees.
- Marcus Stoinis took an early retirement from ODIs and is no longer with the Australian side.
- Mitchell Marsh is also nursing a back injury and was forced to pull out of the tournament.
- Mitchell Starc also decided to skip the tournament due to personal reasons.
- Captain Pat Cummins, along with fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, is also missing.
England Team News:
- Star all-rounder Ben Stokes was not considered for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as he is still nursing a left hamstring injury picked up during the third test match against New Zealand.
- Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow are no longer with the team.
- Injury prone fast bowler Jofra Archer is expected to play against Australia.
Players to watch out for in South Africa vs Bangladesh match
- Liam Livingstone: England’s premium all-rounder in white-ball cricket has the ability to win any game on his own. In fact, his recent form against Australia is enough to consider him either as captain or vice-captain in at least one or two ENG vs AUS Dream11 grand league teams.
- Travis Head: Travis Head is one such player who can be a one-man army. If he can remain on the pitch for 10-15 overs, then chances are Australia are in ascendency. Head is a phenomenal player in every format.
- Adam Zampa: If Australia are to go the distance in this tournament then Adam Zampa has to play a key role. The good news is that Zampa’s form has been on the up in white-ball cricket. On Pakistan’s pitches, Zampa’s 10-over spell could make or break the game for the Aussies.
- Glenn Maxwell: There’s no doubt that Glenn Maxwell is no longer a consistent player but he is still a pure match winner. The veteran all-rounder can still win any match on his own.
- Jos Buttler: England’s captain Jos Buttler is another player in this game who is worth considering as captain in AUS vs ENG Dream11 Fantasy Cricket teams. His record in white-ball cricket speak volume.
AUS vs ENG Expected Playing XIs
Australia Probable Starting XI vs England:
Matthew Shor
Travis Head
Marnus Labuschagne
Steve Smith (C)
Josh Inglis (WK)
Aaron Hardie
Glenn Maxwell
Sean Abbott
Ben Dwarshuis
Adam Zampa
Tanveer Sangha
England Probable Starting XI vs Australia:
Phil Salt (WK)
Ben Ducket
Joe Root
Harry Brook
Jos Buttler (C)
Liam Livingstone
Jamie Overton
Gus Atkinson
Adil Rashid
Mark Wood
Saqib Mahmood
Australia vs England squads for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Australia squad for ICC Champions Trophy: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa. Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly.
England squad for ICC Champions Trophy: Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood
AUS vs ENG Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Team
