ICC Champions Trophy 2025: 5 Players to watch out for in Australia vs England

The ICC Champions Trophy is underway and the weekend sees a face-off against arch-rivals, starting with a game between Australia and England on Saturday, followed by the India vs Pakistan clash on Sunday. A high-octane weekend awaits us in the Champions Trophy.  Australia against England in a major tournament has hardly produced a dull moment, with so much history and scattered animosity between these two sides.

Heading into this tournament, it feels like both nations are in a bit of transition as they grapple with some inexperience and last-minute pullouts. Nevertheless, it should be a humdinger of a clash, and here’s a look at five players to watch out for in the game between Australia and England. 

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: 5 Players to watch out for in Australia vs England clash

1. Harry Brook

The boy from Yorkshire has become England’s man for all seasons across the last couple of years. He’s touted as the next big thing in English cricket, and he has shown glimpses of his prodigious talent along the way. Brook hasn’t set his ODI career ablaze so far, averaging a pedestrian 36.61. However, returning to Pakistan could just be a boost for the hard-hitting batter. Brook has scored 785 runs in his first six innings in Pakistan at a staggering average of 130.83 and would be looking to better that tally now. 

2. Travis Head

The southpaw from Adelaide has been Australia’s big moments player over the last couple of years. He has a penchant for stepping up in ICC Tournaments and delivering a hammer blow to the opposition. Travis Head scored a superb hundred against England in Nottingham last September as Australia chased down a target of over 300 on a canter. With many big names like Starc, Cummins, and Stoinis unavailable for the Champions Trophy, the onus would once again be on Travis Head to shine in Australia’s Champions Trophy opener. 

3. Joe Root

Ever since England adopted the Bazball mantra, Joe Root has been their most consistent batter across formats. He’s been the rock in the top order around which England have been able to construct their teams, and he would have a big role to play, come the Champions Trophy. Joe Root had an incredible year in Test cricket, averaging 55.57 in 2024, and comes off a solid performance in the SA20 League as well. He’s not had the same kind of numbers in ODIs, but a player of his caliber would easily be able to translate form across formats. 

4. Mark Wood

Playing on the placid pitches of Pakistan, a reliable mantra for success could be using express pace, and that’s exactly what Mark Wood brings to the table. He’s done well in Tests played in Pakistan, picking up 8 wickets in two Tests at an average of 20.38. He also has a good record against Australia, picking up 21 wickets against the reigning champions. Mark Wood has often troubled the Aussie batters with his extra pace in the Ashes series and would be looking to replicate that in the Champions Trophy. 

5. Steve Smith

The de-facto skipper now in the absence of Pat Cummins, Steve Smith absolutely relishes the big stage, and performing against England. He has a batting average of 37.58 against England in ODIs, and the numbers get even better in Test cricket where he averages 56.02. With so many big names missing for Australia in this Champions Trophy, trust Steve Smith to step up and pick up the mantle for his nation in this multi-nation tournament.