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Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has expressed confidence in Australia’s chances at the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, calling them a team to beat despite missing a few key players.
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Australia’s Strength Despite Bowling Inexperience
Watson, in his latest ICC column, acknowledged that while Australia’s bowling attack lacks experience, their overall squad remains strong.
“I think Australia will be very hard to beat, even if their bowling squad is not quite as experienced as they might otherwise have been,” Watson stated.
Despite some notable absences, Australia—two-time Champions Trophy winners (2006, 2009)—still possess a formidable squad that can challenge for another ICC title.
Glenn Maxwell Poised to Shine
Watson singled out Glenn Maxwell as a potential standout performer, citing his recent form in the Big Bash League (BBL) and his past match-winning performances for Australia.
“The stand-out player for me is Glenn Maxwell,” Watson wrote.
“With what I have seen recently, especially in the Big Bash, I believe he has some of his best cricket in front of him across the next two or three years, and I would be very surprised if he does not dominate this Champions Trophy.”
Maxwell was among the top run-getters in the latest BBL season, scoring 325 runs in nine innings at an impressive strike rate of 186.78.
Additionally, he played a crucial role in Australia’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 triumph, tallying 400 runs in nine matches, including an unforgettable double century against Afghanistan.
Australia’s Road Ahead in Champions Trophy 2025
With a mix of youth and experience, Australia remains a formidable force in the tournament. While their bowling unit may not have the same level of experience, Watson believes their overall balance makes them strong contenders.
With the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Pat Cummins, Australia will aim to add another ICC trophy to their illustrious collection.
