Australia vs England Preview & Prediction | 2025 ICC Champions Trophy | Group Stage
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Always one of the stand-out fixtures whenever they collide in an ICC major tournament, old enemies Australia and England clash in Lahore.
Date & time: Saturday 22nd February 2025: USA PT – 1:00am / USA ET – 4:00am / UK – 9:00am
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan
Weather: Dry and sunny throughout with temperatures reaching highs of 23c.
How to watch: USA – Willow TV / UK – Sky Sports & Sky Go
How to get tickets for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy: Click here for the latest ticket information for Australia vs England
Australia Preview: Injuries decimate bowling attack
Australia will be without their entire first-choice fast bowling attack for the ICC Champions Trophy, with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and captain Pat Cummins all being injured. Cummins’ absence means that a new skipper was required and Steve Smith has taken the reigns for this tournament, whilst the pace bowling unit is likely to consist of players such as Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis and Spencer Johnson.
England Preview: Smith straight in with the gloves
England welcome Jamie Smith back to the fold following a period out through injury and the Surrey star will not only keep for Jos Buttler’s side, but will also bat at number three, with Phil Salt and Ben Duckett opening. The worry is that, this selection leaves England a bowler short with Joe Root and Liam Livingstone needing to bowl ten overs between them. They come into the competition in terrible form, having been swept by India in a three-match warm-up series.
Australia Betting Analysis
With so many of Australia’s key bowlers being absent, the onus will be on their batting line-up to make up for that with lots of runs, especially on what is likely to be a friendly batting surface in Lahore. Steve Smith has so often proven England’s kryptonite in the past and a tournament like this is perfect for him to once again display his incredible ability on the big stage. Experience is always crucial when the stakes are high and Smith’s control should serve him well here. Consider backing Smith not only to score over 32.5 match runs, but also to finish as Australia’s top batter.
England Betting Analysis
On the pitches of Pakistan, raw pace will be very important if the track at the Gaddafi Stadium proves to be as flat as expected. England have two bowlers who shine in that department, those being Jofra Archer and Mark Wood. Both could be expensive if they get their line and lengths wrong, but at the same time, having such speed can also lead to them gaining wickets against batters not used to facing such heat. Therefore, bettors should look at making a play on both Archer and Wood to each pick up 2+ wickets via separate stakes.
Australia vs England Expert Prediction
Australia will come into this important group match as favourites, despite their depleted bowling stocks. This is mainly due to the rotten form of England in 50-over cricket which has seen them lose each of their last four ODI series, including one against Australia in England late last summer. But a flat Lahore is likely to suit England, who have loaded up on batting due to having struggled so much in that department recently.
But in a major competition, one player who England usually can rely on is Joe Root and the prospect of taking on what is essentially a second-string seam bowling attack is an enticing one for such a brilliant batter. Whilst Harry Brook’s record in Pakistan is incredible, Root feels like the more reliable pick for such a high-pressure environment, so back him to record 30+ runs against Australia.
Australia vs England Top Tip: Joe Root to score 30+ runs
