Lahore (Web Desk): Australia won the toss and decided to field first against England in Group B match of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Champions Trophy at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
Despite being without their regular pace trio—Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, all of whom are sidelined from the tournament—the Aussies have gone with three fast bowlers and have placed their trust in Adam Zampa as their primary spin option.
England, meanwhile, have made a few adjustments, bringing in wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith. Their bowling attack consists of three frontline quicks, while Adil Rashid is the sole specialist spinner in the squad.
South Africa, having already made an advancement by defeating Afghanistan by 107 runs on Friday, are also in Group B, making it an even more competitive stage.
Meanwhile, in Group A, the reigning champions Pakistan, along with India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, are all vying for a spot in the semi-finals.
The top two teams from each group will progress, intensifying the competition as the tournament unfolds.
Teams
Australia: Steve Smith (captain), Travis Head, Matthew Short, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson
England: Jos Buttler (captain), Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood
