3 Out Of Form Australia Players Ahead Of Champions Trophy 2025

Jake Fraser-McGurk for Australia. [Source - Cricket Australia/x.com]

The much awaited Champions Trophy 2025 is less than a week away as it is set to commence from February 19 and will run until March 9 when the Final match is scheduled. Host

Pakistan will be up against New Zealand in the tournament’s curtain raiser in Karachi to mark the return of Champions Trophy after its 8 years hiatus.

This will be the ninth edition of the Champions Trophy as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and ICC are working hand to hand for the success of what can be an iconic return of the 8-team premier competition.

Since its inaugural edition in 1998, Australia are the most successful team in the tournament as they emerged champions twice (joint most) back in 2006 and 2009. However, their recent appearance in 2013 and 2017 editions don't draw a good picture where they failed to qualify for knockouts in two consecutive editions.

Hence, eyeing their first Semi-final berth since 2009, Australia has announced the 15-men squad with Steve Smith as captain and they will be hoping to sustain their good record in ICC events, clinching their third Champions Trophy title this year.

Notably, despite boasting a strong squad on paper, Australia are carrying some out of form players who really need to bring their ‘A’ game ahead of the ICC mega-event.

3. Jake Fraser-McGurk

Jake Fraser-McGurk is a promising young batter on whom Cricket Australia has invested heavily in the past one year. However, his recent form in white ball cricket doesn't give much confidence ahead of what is going to be his maiden ICC event.

With an average below 15 in his short ODI career, the explosive opening batter of Australia doesn't seem to be ready for the biggest challenge at this moment.

Additionally, his form in the Men's Big Bash League wasn't impressive as he finished the tournament with just 188 runs, including only one half century and at an average of 18.8.

Here are Jake Fraser-McGurk's ODI numbers since his debut in 2024.

---

ALSO READ

[Watch] Jake Fraser-McGurk Fails Again As Asitha Pulls Off Brilliant Caught And Bowled

---

2. Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell had a horrible ODI series against Pakistan where the all-rounder managed a meagre 16 runs in the three-match series averaging below 6. Overall, Maxwell finished 2024 with 9.2 average in ODIs, leaving a big question mark to his form ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025.

We all know how much Australia is dependent on Maxwell in the lower middle order especially with Marcus Stoinis hanging up his boots from ODIs recently. Maxwell did have a great Big Bash League but he needs to convert that form into the 50-over format.

The eight-team tournament will be played in three venues of Pakistan and in Dubai as well which makes Maxwell even more important as his return to form can really turn things around for Australia in this tournament.

Glenn Maxwell's recent numbers with the bat in ODIs since 2023 World Cup. 

---

ALSO READ

3 Areas Australia Need To Work On For Champions Trophy 2025

---

1. Adam Zampa

Adam Zampa hasn't been at their best recently like we all like to see him mastering the white ball. Yes, despite being a regular name in the wicket-taking chart, Zampa has been far from his usual bowling form.

The lead spinner is going to play a crucial role for Australia in the upcoming and him going wicketless in an ODI in Sri Lanka is definitely a matter of concern. In addition, his bowling strike-rate of 34 since the 2023 World Cup doesn't draw a positive picture.

His numbers in the recently concluded Men's Big Bash League where he took 12 wickets in 10 matches are way below the belt. Considering the flat conditions in Pakistan, Zampa’s leg spin will play a crucial role to decide how far Australia can go in this year's Champions Trophy.

Adam Zampa bowling numbers in ODI's since 2023 World Cup. 

---

ALSO READ

3 Reasons Steve Smith Will Succeed In Champions Trophy 2025

---