Why is Jake Fraser-McGurk not playing Champions Trophy 2025 Match between Australia vs England?

Australia and England take on each other in Match 4 of the Champions Trophy 2025 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 22. Australia are coming off an ODI series loss against Sri Lanka by 2-0 and are without the services of their key bowlers, Mitchell Starc, skipper Pat Cummins and Josh Hazelwood. They have also missed the services of Mitchell Marsh as the four players are out due to injuries, while star all-rounder Marcus Stoinis withdrew following retirement from the format.

On the other hand, England lost both T20I series and ODI series against India by big margins of 1-4 and 0-3. They will have to revamp their previous plans and adapt to the subcontinent conditions well in order to come good. Moreover, they have a lone spinner in the form of Adil Rashid and all other options are either inexperienced or part-timers. 

Toss Update

Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first. Though England did not make any substantial changes to their playing XI, Australia entered with a tweak. 

Australia play Marnus Labuschagne in place of Jake Fraser-McGurk

Their opener, and occasional number three, Jake Fraser-McGurk played in the last ODI against Sri Lanka. But the Kangaroos have decided to place their bets on Marnus Labuschagne, who played the first ODI. This is to bolster their middle order.

Captain’s say

Steven Smith (Australia)

We're gonna have a bowl.. Looks a pretty good surface. There's a bit of dew when we were practising, so we'll like to chase later on. Short, Head, myself, Marnus, Inglis, Carey, Maxwell, Dwarshuis, Ellis, Spencer Johnson and Zampa. (On playing two left-handed pacers) Little bit of swing up top, we'll try to utilise that as much as possible. (Carey) He's been batting really nicely. The two keepers played together in the Test matches, worked out well and both are quality batters. Always exciting, looking forward to getting started today.

Jos Buttler (England)

We probably would have batted, we were a bit 50-50 whether the dew comes in or not. Looks a really good surface, look to try and make good first use of it. We are not trying to hide anything, we are very confident. We are really excited for the game and guys are in a really good place. Anytime you play Australia in an ICC event, you want to be part of. (On Jamie Smith) Very unflappable, immense talent with a great head on his shoulders. Gives us a chance to have a dynamic top three and some good guys behind him.

Teams

Australia (Playing XI)

Matthew Short, Travis Head, Steven Smith(c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis(w), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson

England (Playing XI)

Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith(w), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler(c), Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood