Australia vs England in ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Weather report, pitch analysis, and predicted playing XI - Will the trend of high scoring matches continue?

New Delhi: Australia will start their Champions Trophy 2025 journey with a highly anticipated Group B match against England at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore today. The Australian team is coming off two consecutive ODI losses against Sri Lanka and has faced setbacks with several key players withdrawing from the squad for different reasons. On the other hand, England will be eager to rebound from a recent 3-0 series defeat against India and will be looking to make a strong statement in this crucial tournament clash.

Their recent poor form have added more spice to the oldest rivalry in world cricket. With only three group games, both sides will be looking to make a winning start. England have recently loss 3 match ODI series against India by 3-0 in India, where their spin playing ability got exposed.

England have already confirmed their playing XI for the match, while Australia’s bowling lineup remains a point of interest. The team will have to adjust in the absence of key players like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Marsh, and Marcus Stoinis.

Australia vs England head-to-head record in ODIs
Australia have an edge here, having won 90 out of 160 ODIs while England have only won 65.

Total matches: 160
Australia win: 90
England win: 65
No results: 3

Pitch report for Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for AUS vs ENG
The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium has long been known as a batter’s paradise. During the recent ODI tri-series featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, high scores were a common trend, with teams like New Zealand and Pakistan frequently surpassing the 300-run mark. Bowlers struggled to make an impact, highlighting the challenge they face on this surface. The upcoming Australia vs England clash could also turn into a high-scoring contest, especially if England bat first, given Australia’s depleted pace attack, which is missing key players like Pat Cummins (injured), Josh Hazlewood (injured), Mitchell Starc (personal reasons), and Marcus Stoinis (retired).

Australia vs England Weather report
The weather forecast for Karachi ahead of the Australia vs England clash suggests clear skies with no rain expected. Temperatures will be in the early 20s during the first half of the game, gradually dropping to between 15-20 degrees Celsius after sunset.

Australia vs England predicted playing XIs

England have already announced their playing XI. England playing XI: Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (C), Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood

Australia predicted XI: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Steve Smith (C), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa