Champions Trophy 2025: Predicting England’s Playing XI for their clash against Australia

The ‘down and out’ England will take on Australia in the fourth match of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host this game on February 22, at 2:30 PM (IST). It will be a crucial game for Jos Buttler’s men to get rid of their poor run of form in the ODIs.

Notably, England are coming off a whitewash defeat by 3-0 margin against India in the three-match ODI series in India. They will look ahead to win this game against Australia and get off the mark in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Here is the predicted playing XI of England for their campaign opener against Australia: 

Openers – Phil Salt and Ben Duckett

England will go ahead with the successful opening pair of Phil Salt and Ben Duckett to open the innings against Australia. The duo was in a decent run of form amidst a dismal run of England in the three-match ODI against India. Phil Salt could provide a quick and fiery start to England in the powerplay overs.

On the other hand, Ben Duckett registered scores of 32, 65, and 34 in the three matches of the ODI series against India. He might be a vital cog in the wheel for the Three Lions in their clash against Australia.

Middle-order – Jamie Smith (WK), Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Jos Buttler (C)

The young wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith is expected to make his debut in the ICC Champions Trophy. He might get a chance to bat at number three for England in the game against Steve Smith’s men. Jamie Smith could be an important asset with the bat for his side in the current edition of the Champions Trophy.

Young Jamie Smith will be followed by the former skipper and the modern-day batting great Joe Root at number four. Root has been one of the most successful batters for England in the history of the ICC Champions Trophy. Harry Brook will bat at number five, he will look ahead to regain his form back followed by skipper and in-form batter Jos Buttler at number six to add some crucial runs in the middle and death overs.

All-Rounders – Liam Livingstone and Brydon Carse

English management might field Liam Livingstone and Brydon Carse as spin-bowling and pace-bowling all-rounders. Livingstone could play an important role with the bat in the lower middle order, alongside providing vital support to Adil Rashid in the spin department.

Brydon Carse is expected to be a part of England’s playing XI as a pace-bowling all-rounder; he also delivered some brilliant performances both with the bat and ball in the three-match ODI series against India.

Bowlers – Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, and Mark Wood

The bowling trio of England might include two out-and-out pacers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood in the setup. Archer could be quite lethal for the opponent batters while bowling with the new ball during the powerplay, alongside crucial support from the star pacer Mark Woof. Notably, Wood is known for troubling the pacers with his raw pace and bouncers.

Apart from these, the veteran leg-spinner Adil Rashid will be a part of the English playing XI as a specialist spinner. He was one of the few ‘good performers’ with the ball during the ODI series against India, including a four-wicket haul in the third and last ODI of the series.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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