Why Has Steve Smith Replaced Spencer Johnson With Tanveer Sangha Vs India?

Tanveer Sangha [Source: @CricketAus/x.com]

India and Australia are all set to start the battle for the final in the Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in India. During the toss for the game, Australia have won the toss and have elected to bat first.

Notably, the Steve Smith-led team has made two changes to their playing XI from the set of players that took the field in the last game. Tanvir Sangha has been included in the playing XI in place of Spencer Johnson, while Cooper Connolly has come into the team in place of Matthew Short. 

Why Spencer Johnson Has Been Rested?

Spencer Johnson picked up two wickets in the two matches he bowled in the Champions Trophy 2025. He has given runs at an economy of 6.05 while averaging around 51.50. Spencer Johnson did not impress much as fer as the stats are concerned. 

As a result, Australia might have decided to replace Spencer Johnson and include Tanveer Sangha in the side.

Why Australia Have Included Tanveer Sangha In The Side?

In the last match between India and New Zealand played here, the Asian team dominated the proceedings with their four spinners. The four Indian spinners bowled 37.3 overs, conceded 166 runs, and picked up nine wickets. The numbers clearly show the efficiency of the spinners on the wicket. This would have been the prime reason for Australia to include Tanveer Sangha instead of Spencer Johnson.

Besides this, the Indian batter has shown a bit of susceptibility to right-arm wrist spinners. So, Tanveer Sangha and Adam Zampa's presence would add an extra edge to the Australian bowling attack.

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