The second match of group B will be played between Australia and England on 22nd February in Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.
Match preview
Heading into the tournament, Australia has suffered a significant setback, losing four key players from their World Cup-winning squad. Marcus Stoinis, along with the pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, are all unavailable. Additionally, they will be without their opening batter, Mitchell Marsh, further compounding their challenges.
With this injury crisis, Australia will rely heavily on their experienced players to rise to the occasion. Once again, they will place high expectations on Travis Head, who has been instrumental in their recent success. Since 2022, Head has scored 1,390 runs in ODIs at an impressive average of 57.92, boasting a strike rate of 121.29.
Another crucial player for Australia will be Adam Zampa, who has historically thrived against England. The leg-spinner has taken 34 wickets against them in ODIs at an average of 23.3. In the absence of their frontline pacers, Australia will count on Zampa to deliver breakthroughs at pivotal moments.
England, on the other hand, enters the tournament on the back of a whitewash against India, raising concerns about their form. However, they will likely feel more comfortable in the batting-friendly conditions of Pakistan, a stark contrast to the relatively slower pitches they encountered in India.
Harry Brook, who was in outstanding form leading up to the Champions Trophy, endured a tough series against India, managing just 50 runs in three innings. Nevertheless, he will be eager to return to Pakistan, where he has excelled across formats, accumulating 1,383 runs at a remarkable average of 76.83.
Bowling remains England’s primary weakness, as they have been the most expensive and least effective ODI bowling attack since the last World Cup. Against Australia, early wickets—especially that of Travis Head—will be crucial. To achieve this, they will need Jofra Archer and Mark Wood to step up and deliver with the new ball.
Probable XIs
England
Ben Duckket , Phil Salt (wk) , Jamie Smith , Joe Root , Harry Brook , Jos Buttler(C) , Liam Livingstone , Brydon Carse , Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid , Mark Wood
Australia
Travis Head , Matt Short , Steve Smith(C) , Marnus Labuschagne , Josh Inglis , Alex Carey (wk) , Glenn Maxwell , Sean Abbot , Nathan Ellis , Adam Zampa , Spencer Johnson
Head-to-head record
Australia and England have faced each other in 160 ODI matches, with Australia securing victory in 90 encounters, while England has won 65. Two matches ended in a tie, and three produced no result.
Pitch and weather report:
Unlike Dubai and Karachi, the pitch in Lahore is expected to be flat, as observed in the recently concluded Tri-Nation ODI series. Since 2015, 11 ODIs have been played at this venue, with the average first-innings score standing at 320.
Prediction:
Although Australia are main men short but they are still favourite to win their opening game of the Champions Trophy
Where to watch:
India: Jio Hotstar,
Pakistan: Myco, Tapmad, and Tamasha app
UAE and MENA: STARZPLAY
USA and Canada: Streaming on Willow by Cricbuzz app (Hindi coverage available)
Caribbean: ESPN Play Caribbean app
Australia: PrimeVideo
New Zealand: SkyGo app.
South Africa and sub-Saharan territories: SuperSport and SuperSport App
Bangladesh: Nagorik TV
Afghanistan: ATN
Sri Lanka: Maharaja TV
