Arch-Rivals Lock Horns as Champions Trophy Campaigns Begin
Cricket’s fiercest rivals – Australia and England – launch their ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaigns today at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. With both teams missing key players and seeking redemption after recent losses, this Group B clash promises high-stakes drama .
Teams Battle Injuries and Form Slumps
Australia enters without pace trio Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, while all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis also sit out. Stand-in captain Steve Smith won the toss and elected to bowl first against Jos Buttler’s England .
England arrives reeling from a 3-0 ODI series whitewash against India earlier this month. Their revamped lineup features Jofra Archer’s long-awaited international return alongside express pacers Mark Wood and Brydon Carse .
| Recent Head-to-Head (2024) | Australia | England |
|---|---|---|
| ODI Wins | 3 | 2 |
| T20I Wins | 1 | 1 |
| Last Meeting | Australia won 5th ODI by 49 runs (DLS) | |
Tournament Context
The match occurs against a backdrop of dominant Group B performances:
- South Africa: Crushed Afghanistan by 89 runs yesterday
- New Zealand/India: Secured convincing Group A wins this week
Today’s winner gains crucial momentum in the tournament’s most competitive group. Both teams seek their first Champions Trophy victory since Australia’s 2017 triumph .
