Australia’s aggressive right-handed opener Matthew Short has been ruled out of the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 ahead of the Kangaroos’ semi-final clash against unbeaten India.
Short, who was injured during their match against Afghanistan on February 8, has been replaced by Cooper Connolly in Australia’s 15-man squad.
The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Event Technical Committee has confirmed Connolly’s inclusion who has featured in three ODIs for the Kangaroos.
However, despite his inclusion, “Fraser-McGurk is the most logical like-for-like replacement for Short as an aggressive right-handed opener who can take advantage of favourable early batting conditions,” read a statement issued by Cricket Australia.
The change comes against the backdrop as Australia are set to take on Rohit Sharma-led side in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2025 set to take place at the Dubai International Stadium tomorrow on March 4 (Tuesday).
The Kangaroos, with three wins in the tournament, were the first team to have qualified for the knockout stage after their match against Afghanistan in Lahore was washed out due to rain.
Whereas, India are at the top of the points table in Group A after winning all three of their matches which included wins against host Pakistan as well as New Zealand.
Meanwhile, the second semi-final will see South Africa taking on New Zealand on March 5 (Wednesday) at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
The tournament is being played under a hybrid format with India playing all of its matches in Dubai. The venue of the tournament’s final depends upon the result of the first semi-final.
In case of Australia’s win, the final is set to be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, whereas in case of a victory for Rohit Sharma’s men, the final will be played in Dubai on March 9.
