Follow UsNot Joe Root, but Jamie Smith, the wicketkeeper-batter, will bat at number three for England in their Champions Trophy 2025 clash against arch-rivals Australia, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on February 20 (Thursday).
The ECB also named their playing 11 for the game via a social media post. The side will be led by Jos Buttler, and he will be batting at number six.
Jamie Smith, who missed out on the India series, has batted only once at number three in List-A cricket. He has played 22 matches in List A cricket and scored only 558 runs at an average of 34 and with three fifties to his name.
The match between two great cricketing rivals will also mark the first game at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
England will have three pacers in Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood. Adil Rashid and Liam Livingstone will be two spin options along with the part-time off-spin of Root.
Harry Brook, Ben Duckett and Phil Salt complete the English playing 11.
England Playing 11 For CT 2025 Match Against Australia
Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (WK), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood