England is set to take on Australia in their opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
22 February, 2025
PHOTO: AP
England is set to take on Australia in their opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Both teams will be eager to kick off their campaign with a win, making this contest an exciting one to watch.
Match Details:
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Date: February 22, 2025 (Saturday)
Time: 2:00 PM PST (Toss at 1:30 PM IST)
Team Previews:
England:
Jos Buttler’s England comes into this game with a well-balanced squad, boasting a strong batting lineup including Joe Root and Harry Brook. Adil Rashid will be crucial in restricting Australia’s batting unit.
Australia:
Led by Steve Smith, Australia has been a force to reckon with in international cricket. However, due to injury setbacks, we will see a new bowling combination for the Aussies. Their batting lineup, spearheaded by Travis Head and Steve Smith, will be key against England's bowling attack. The likes of Glenn Maxwell and Head will need to fire in order to set a strong total, especially considering their relatively inexperienced bowling attack.
Squads:
England: Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Jamie Overton, Saqib Mahmood, Tom Banton, Gus Atkinson
Australia: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steven Smith (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey
Pitch Report:
The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is known for its batting-friendly conditions. The average first-innings score is around 253, but recent matches have seen scores exceeding 300. The flat and hard pitch offers good bounce, making it ideal for batters. Fast bowlers may find some early movement, while spinners could come into play as the game progresses.
Weather Report:
The weather in Lahore is expected to be sunny with no rain interruptions. The temperature will hover around 23°C in the afternoon, gradually dropping to 18°C in the evening.
Match Prediction:
Australia’s batting attack will pose a challenge for England’s bowling, but the England’ balanced squad and experience give them an edge. Expect a competitive contest as both teams look to start their campaign on a winning note.
