In a shocking pre-match error in the fourth match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India’s national anthem was played inadvertently in place of Australia’s prior to their eagerly awaited encounter against England. This confusion left the Australian players, match officials, and spectators lost for a few moments before India’s national anthem was played subsequently.
The mishap took place during the pre-match ceremonies when both teams stood for their respective anthems. When the Indian national anthem started resonating in the stadium, Australian cricketers shared confused looks, and their fans watched in confusion. Even England’s players appeared surprised by the blunder.
But the confusion was brief as the organizers soon corrected the error and played the right anthem, and the game went on without any other glitches. The hilarious moment soon went viral on social media, with cricket fans and supporters sharing memes and reactions.
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Some cracked jokes that it was Pakistan’s way of giving Australia an unexpected “warm-up” prior to the match, while others commended both teams for staying focused despite the strange beginning.
In a hilarious mix-up during today’s England vs. Australia match, Pakistan decided to give Australia a “surprise warm-up” by playing the Indian national anthem instead of Australia’s! 🎶😂 pic.twitter.com/BbNGzRCMnf
— Arun (@oddEEVEN21) February 22, 2025
After the anthem crisis was averted, the match commenced, with Australia winning the toss and deciding to bowl first. The decision paid dividends for them in the early stages of the match as England’s opening order was under pressure straight away. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey set the tone for the fielding by Australia with an acrobatic one-handed catch to send back Phil Salt for merely 10 runs.
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The Australian bowlers received the confidence they needed from the early wicket to go ahead and take on England’s batting order. After the initial setback, England seemed intent on rebuilding, keeping pace with Australia’s intensity. At the time of writing, after 3.4 overs, England stood at 31 for one wicket, and the stage was set for what was to be an enthralling encounter between two cricketing titans.
