Former Australian cricket captain and World Cup winner Ricky Ponting has thrown his support behind Big Bash League (BBL) standout Mitch Owen as a potential replacement for injured all-rounder Mitch Marsh in Australia’s Champions Trophy squad. Meanwhile, pacer Pat Cummins is deemed “highly unlikely” to participate in the tournament due to fitness concerns.
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Australia Faces Double Injury Blow Ahead of Champions Trophy
Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign has taken a hit with injuries to key players. According to Code Sports, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is also expected to miss the tournament as he continues his recovery from a calf injury sustained during the latter stages of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Mitch Owen: The Unlikely Contender for Marsh’s Spot
With the ODI tournament set to begin in Pakistan later this month, Aaron Hardie is the most logical like-for-like replacement for Marsh. However, Ponting has suggested that 23-year-old Mitch Owen deserves consideration for the vacant spot in the 15-player squad.
Owen gained national attention after delivering one of the fastest centuries in Big Bash history, leading the Hobart Hurricanes to a thrilling victory over the Sydney Thunder. His impressive performance earned him a contract with Paarl Royal in the SA20 league, where he has showcased his all-round abilities, including taking three wickets with his medium-pace bowling.
While some, including former Australian opener David Warner, believe other players are ahead of Owen in the pecking order, ex-selector Mark Waugh has stated that Owen’s name should at least be in the discussion. Ponting, who serves as head of strategy for the Hurricanes and has extensive T20 coaching experience, believes Owen has the qualities to fill Marsh’s role.
Mitch Owen off the mark on debut! 🔥💗 pic.twitter.com/b5TpmSblwc
— Paarl Royals (@paarlroyals) February 1, 2025
“I’m not sure which direction the selectors will go, but if you’ve been following the BBL, a young player named Mitch Owen has emerged as an exciting talent,” Ponting told The ICC Review.
“He’s an all-rounder and has been opening the batting for the Hobart Hurricanes. While Mitch Marsh has mostly batted in the top three in ODIs over the last couple of years, Owen has proven his capability at the top in both T20 and domestic one-day cricket.”
Ponting acknowledged that Owen’s selection would be a surprise but emphasized that Australia has a quality option.
Australian Middle Order Faces Selection Challenges
Australia’s middle order presents some concerns, with Ponting highlighting gaps that must be addressed swiftly. The leadership situation remains uncertain, as captain Pat Cummins is unlikely to recover in time for the tournament due to an ongoing ankle issue.
“Cummins hasn’t resumed bowling, making his participation improbable,” coach Andrew McDonald told SEN.
“With Pat unavailable, we need a captain. We’ve been discussing leadership options with Steve Smith and Travis Head while finalizing our Champions Trophy squad. Smith has performed well in Tests and ODIs, so it comes down to those two.”
The selection committee awaits further medical updates before confirming their final squad.
Cameron Green Nears Comeback After Surgery
Another all-rounder, Cameron Green, is edging closer to full fitness following back surgery that kept him out of Australia’s home summer. However, selectors are eyeing his return for the June World Test Championship final against South Africa.
“I can now see hope and progress ahead. I’m back to running, batting, and starting to feel like a cricketer again,” Green said at the Australian Cricket Awards.
“It’s been a refreshing break, but I’m ready to return to competitive cricket.”
Australia’s Provisional Champions Trophy Squad
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Alex Carey
- Nathan Ellis
- Aaron Hardie
- Josh Hazlewood
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Glenn Maxwell
- Matt Short
- Steve Smith
- Mitchell Starc
- Marcus Stoinis
- Adam Zampa
With injuries shaking up the squad, the selectors have tough decisions ahead. Will they opt for experience or take a chance on a rising star like Mitch Owen? Australia’s final squad announcement will clarify their strategy for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
