India and Australia will clash in a high-profile Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal, with both nations yet to lose a match in the tournament. While India looks sorted and in top gear, Australia is dealing with injury issues that may unsettle their team balance before the knockout encounter.
Australia has already seen a few forced changes due to injuries, and their woes continue as opener Matthew Short has been ruled out with a quad injury sustained during the washed-out game against Afghanistan. Short’s absence is a double blow—not only do the Aussies lose a reliable opening batter and miss out on a valuable spin-bowling option, which would have been crucial on Dubai’s slow wickets.
In return, Australia has signed up all-rounder Cooper Connolly as Short’s cover. Connolly, a star player for Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League, has been an on-travelling reserve with the team. The 21-year-old left-arm spinner and middle-order batsman has only played three ODIs, and his selection introduces an extra dimension to Australia’s selection conundrum.
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The biggest challenge lies in identifying an appropriate opening combination for Travis Head. The team management has some options available to them—Jake Fraser-McGurk can be tried as an opener, or Australia can try their spin options by playing Tanveer Sangha and Adam Zampa together. Glenn Maxwell, who is a part-time spinner, is still an important presence in the middle order.
🚨 BIG BLOW FOR AUSTRALIA MATTHEW SHORT RULED OUT..!!
– Cooper Connolly replaces Matthew Short in the Australian squad for the Champions Trophy Semi final match against India. 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/TPwG4DKeVo
— Being Human (@BhttDNSH100) March 3, 2025
Despite their recent injury troubles, Australia boasts a strong record in ICC knockout games. They started their Champions Trophy with a victory over England, although their subsequent two games were rain-abandoned.
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More significantly, Australia has ruled over India in recent knockout contests, having won the last three such games, including the 2023 ODI World Cup final, in which they dominated Rohit Sharma’s team to win the title. With a place in the final on the line, Steve Smith’s team will be keen to continue their knockout success, while India will be keen to exact revenge for their World Cup disappointment. The Dubai semifinal is likely to be an action-packed encounter, paving the way for a dramatic finale in Lahore.
