Duckett-Salt To Open, Archer Out? England’s Strongest XI For 1st Champions Trophy Match

England will face Australia in their 1st match of Champions Trophy [Source: AP Photos]

The Champions Trophy 2025 is knocking on the door and all eyes are on England, who are yet to lay their hands on this elusive title. With Pakistan and the UAE hosting the event, the conditions will be tricky with slow pitches, sharp turn and humid nights testing the best in the business.

But if there’s one team with the firepower to adapt and conquer, it’s England. Their campaign kicks off with a high-voltage clash against Australia on February 22 in Lahore and England will be eager to start with a bang.

Known for their fearless approach and depth in both batting and bowling, England have a golden opportunity to break their Champions Trophy drought. With a squad laden with experience and young talent, the challenge now is to find the perfect XI for the tournament opener.

Let’s take a closer look at what should be England’s strongest combination for the all-important Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Australia.

Openers: Duckett and Salt to Lead the Charge, Banton at No. 3

• For England, Ben Duckett is a no-brainer at the top of the order. The left-hander has been a revelation in recent years, consistently piling up runs with his clever batting and sharp understanding of spin. In 19 ODIs, Duckett has 831 runs at an average of 46, including two centuries and six fifties. His ability to rotate the strike and find gaps makes him England’s perfect opener in these conditions.

• His partner, Phil Salt, is the explosive yin to Duckett’s steady yang. Salt doesn’t believe in settling in as he takes the game head-on from ball one. With 935 runs in 29 ODIs, Salt knows how to make the most of the powerplay. His aggressive style perfectly suits the flat decks of Pakistan and Dubai, where boundaries are easier to come by.

• Tom Banton, the wildcard, steps in at No. 3. With just six ODIs under his belt, Banton brings a fearless approach and an unpredictable edge to the batting order. His ability to play 360-degree cricket makes him a tough customer for opposition bowlers. While his stats may not scream experience, his confidence and shot-making ability could be the X-factor England needs.

Root’s Calm Meets Brook’s Fire In The Middle Order

• The middle order revolves around England’s Mr. Dependable, Joe Root. In spin-friendly conditions, there is no one better than Root to anchor the innings. With 6634 runs in 174 ODIs, Root knows how to guide the innings through tricky patches, build partnerships and accelerate when the time is right.

• Harry Brook is the firepower in the middle order. Known for his fearless batting, Brook doesn’t back down from a challenge. With 769 runs in 23 ODIs, he brings stability and aggression to the lineup. His clean hitting and ability to take on fast bowlers make him a key player in the latter half of the innings.

---

ALSO READ

3 Out-Of-Form England Batters Ahead Of Champions Trophy 2025

---

Lower Middle Order: Buttler and Livingstone To Finish With a Flourish

• No England XI is complete without Jos Buttler, the master finisher. With 5114 runs in 184 ODIs, Buttler’s ability to turn games on their head is well-known. He’s the engine room of England’s batting order, capable of shifting gears in the blink of an eye.
• Liam Livingstone, the dynamic all-rounder, brings versatility. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him indispensable. With 890 runs and 22 wickets in 35 ODIs, Livingstone provides England with the perfect balance in their lineup. His power-hitting and useful spin bowling will be extremely important in subcontinental conditions.

Bowling Attack: Overton, Archer, Wood, Rashid Lead the Charge

• Jamie Overton adds versatility with his pace and big-hitting ability down the order. He’s played just three ODIs but has shown potential as a game-changer.
• The bowling attack will be spearheaded by Jofra Archer, whose return is a massive boost. Archer’s 48 wickets in 28 ODIs speak for themselves. His ability to bowl at the death and hit the yorker length consistently makes him a key player.
• Mark Wood, with his express pace, is another lethal weapon in England’s arsenal. He has 77 wickets in 67 ODIs and can rattle batters with his sheer speed.
• Adil Rashid, England’s go-to spinner, will be the key in the middle overs. With 212 wickets in 146 ODIs, Rashid’s experience and variations will be important in breaking partnerships and controlling the flow of runs.

England's Strongest Playing XI For 1st Champions Trophy Match vs Australia 

Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Tom Banton, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c & wk), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid

---

ALSO READ

Fakhar To Open, Babar At 3; Naseem Dropped? Pakistan's Strongest XI For 1st Champions Trophy Match

---