Australia’s preparations for the Champions Trophy 2025 have been significantly hampered by the news that key bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have been ruled out due to injury.
With Mitchell Marsh also unavailable and Marcus Stoinis’s surprising ODI retirement adding to the woes, Australia will need its remaining bowlers to step up.
Here are three bowlers who are now crucial to Australia’s chances:
1. Mitchell Starc:
Mitchell Starc’s left-arm pace and ability to deliver lethal yorkers make him a vital asset for Australia. His experience in subcontinental conditions is indispensable.
Starc excels at taking early wickets and disrupting settled batsmen with his old-ball skills.
In the absence of Cummins and Hazlewood, Starc’s role as the leader of the attack becomes even more critical.
2. Adam Zampa:
Adam Zampa’s crafty leg spin and googlies will be Australia’s weapon to control the middle overs.
As Pakistan’s surfaces tend to slow down, Zampa’s ability to outthink batters with subtle variations makes him a perfect fit for these conditions. His stellar 2023 World Cup performance proves he thrives under pressure.
With teams likely targeting Australia’s pace attack, Zampa’s role in stifling run flow and snaring key wickets could tilt close contests in Australia’s favor.
3. Nathan Ellis:
Nathan Ellis’s pinpoint accuracy and nerveless death bowling could solve Australia’s search for a reliable third seamer.
His clever mix of slower balls, wide yorkers, and back-of-the-hand variations will be vital during the final overs.
Ellis’s recent performances showcase his ability to handle pressure against hard hitters. His knack for delivering ‘golden overs’ might just make him Australia’s silent game-changer.
