Cummins, Hazlewood Out? 3 Bowlers Who Will Be Crucial For Australia In Champions Trophy

Mitchell Starc is one of the key bowlers for Australia [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

As Australia sets its sights on reclaiming the Champions Trophy in 2025, the spotlight inevitably falls on its bowling arsenal, a blend of raw pace, crafty spin, and tactical mastery. Historically, Australia's dominance in global tournaments has been anchored by bowlers who thrive under pressure, from Glenn McGrath's metronomic precision to Mitchell Starc's toe-crushing yorkers. 

The Champions Trophy’s ODI format demands versatility, and Australia's selectors face a strategic puzzle which is balancing experience with X-factor. Pakistan's pitches, often favouring spinners as games progress, could amplify the role of tweakers, while early swing and reverse swing may reward quicks with tactical skills. 

Australia sure assumes some firepower in their bowling departments. However, a recent report suggests that Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are unlikely for the Champions Trophy because of their injuries. Hence, with this blow denting their pace attack, let's take a look at which of these bowlers can make a mark on Pakistan's soil.

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3. Nathan Ellis

Nathan Ellis [Source: @farzibhai45/X.com]

While not yet a household name, Nathan Ellis’s pinpoint accuracy and nerveless death bowling could solve Australia's long-standing search for a reliable third seamer. In Pakistan, where dew can nullify spinners in evening games, Ellis's clever mix of slower balls, wide yorkers, and back-of-the-hand variations will be vital during the frantic final overs. 

His recent performances showcase his ability to handle pressure against hard hitters. In a tournament where margins are razor-thin, Ellis's knack for delivering 'golden overs' might just make him Australia's silent game-changer.

2. Adam Zampa

Adam Zampa [Source: @rafi4999/X.com]

In a tournament where middle-overs control could decide titles, Adam Zampa’s crafty leg spin and googlies will be Australia's secret weapon. Pakistan's surfaces tend to slow down as games progress, offering genuine turn to the spinners. Zampa's ability to outthink batters with subtle variations makes him a perfect fit for these conditions. 

His stellar 2023 World Cup proved he thrives under pressure, and his recent form in ODIs highlights his consistency. With teams likely to target Australia's pace attack, Zampa's role in stifling run flow and snaring key wickets could tilt close contests in Australia's favour.

1. Mitchell Starc 

Mitchell Starc [Source: @ICC/X.com]

Mitchell Starc’s left-arm thunderbolts have long been Australia's trump card in ICC tournaments, and the Champions Trophy 2025 will be no exception. In Pakistan, where reverse swing often dictates outcomes in the latter stages of an innings, Starc's mastery over yorkers and old-ball wizardry could dismantle even the most settled batters. 

His ability to strike early with the new ball, exploiting any early movement on Pakistan's pitches, will be critical to denting powerhouse teams in high-pressure games. Moreover, Starc's experience in subcontinental conditions makes him indispensable. With Pat Cummins likely to be rested or rotated, Starc's role as the attack leader will anchor Australia's quest for early dominance.

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