Cricket Australia has announced its preliminary 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy, set to begin on February 19. The squad includes fresh faces in Matt Short and Aaron Hardie, both earning their maiden call-ups for a global ICC event. The selection emphasises all-round capabilities, as the team aims to balance depth and versatility for the tournament hosted across Pakistan and the UAE.
Nathan Ellis, whose stellar performances led the Hobart Hurricanes to the BBL 14 finals, also finds a spot in the squad. The trio of Short, Hardie, and Ellis replace David Warner, Cameron Green, and Sean Abbott from the team that triumphed in the ODI World Cup 14 months ago. Warner's retirement, Green's back surgery, and Abbott's omission have paved the way for these new entrants.
