Cricket has seen several destructive batters who have changed the course of matches with their fearless approach. The debate over the most explosive batters in the game has always sparked interest among fans and experts, with names like Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, and Virender Sehwag often being mentioned in discussions. Power-hitting, aggressive stroke play, and the ability to dominate any bowling attack are key characteristics that define such players. Recently, former Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik shared? his perspective, naming three batters he believes have redefined aggressive batting in international? cricket.

Shoaib Malik picks his three most explosive batters

During a conversation on Tapmad, Malik identified Australia’s Travis Head and David Warner, along with India’s Sehwag, as t??he most explosive batters in cricket history. He highlighted their fearless mindset, which has allowed them to take on the best bowlers across formats.

“Look, to play all three formats, the mindset of the players should be strong. If you are strong mentally, you can play any format. You have to mold the bowlers of the opposing team to your style,” Malik explained.

He further elaborated on why he picked these three? players, citing their ability to put bowlers under pressure from the very start.

“Travis Head plays all three formats. Is he technically better? Then there’s David Warner, who hits drives while staying on the back foot. And, of course, Virender Sehwag,” he added.

Malik believes that while these players may not always be technically perfect, their approach to the game makes them stand out in the history of cricke?t.

Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Wasim Akram reveals the ‘biggest player�?in world cricket r?ight now

Malik reveals why the trio has been successful

Malik emphasized that the succes?s of these batters is not solely based on technical correctness but rather on their mindset and fearless approach.

“These players may not be technically sound, but their mindset has created panic in the opposition camp. The fear they instill in bowlers is due to the way they approach the game,” Malik added further.

He further explained that players like Sehwag,?? Head, and Warner have a unique ability to take control of the game early, forcing the opposition to adapt to their style rather than the other way around??. Their aggressive batting not only puts bowlers on the back foot but also shifts the momentum of the game in their team’s favor.

Also READ: Aussie legend Ricky Ponting ?na??mes the greatest batter in ODI cricket

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Australia squared off against England in Match 04 of the Champions Trophy 2025 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, February 22. The high-intensity clash saw an early breakthrough for England as their pace spearhead Jofra Archer made an instant impact by dismissing the dangerous Travis Head cheaply.

Jofra Archer’s stunning reflex catch

The crucial moment occurred on the first ball of the fourth over when Archer bowled a well-pitched delivery outside off at 141.5 kph. Head, looking to drive the bal??l towards mid-off or extra cover, mistimed his shot. The ball took the bottom part of his bat and lobbed back towards the bowler. Despite the unexpected pace reduction, Archer displayed exceptional reflexes and completed a sharp catch in his follow-through, grabbing the ball with both hands to his left.

Here is the video:

Jofra Archer takes down Travis Head, and Australia is in trouble early on!#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar 👉 🇦🇺 🆚 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿, LIVE NOW on Star Sports 2, Sports 18-1 & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/mBy0HsfMUJ

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 22, 2025

Also Read: Fans go gaga over Ben Duckett’s counter-attacking century against Australia in Champions T??rophy 2025

Travis Head’s disbelief as England strike early

The Australian batter looked visibly stunned, checking the toe-end of his bat before taking the long walk back to the pavilion. England’s early strike put the Aussies on the back foot, removing a key player who has been instrumental in their recent performances.

Archer’s early breakthrough set the tone for England’s bowling attack, giving them a crucial advantage in the powerplay. With Australia losing a key wicket early, the contest promises to be an exciting battle between bat and ball in the Champions Trophy 2025.

Ben Duckett’s ton takes England to a formidable total

Earlier, Ben Duckett‘s innings proved instrumental in driving England to a formidable total of 351/8—the highest in the tournament’s history. His scintillating 165 off 143 balls, laced with 17 fours and 3 sixes, featured a 95-ball hundred that blended aggression with composure, perfectly embodying England’s “Bazball” approach. Supported by Joe Root’s steady 68 off 78 balls and late flourishes from Archer (21* off 10) and Jos Buttler (23 off 21), Duckett’s knock set ??a daunting target on a pitch that grew slower as the innings wore on.

Also Watch: Alex Carey grabs a flying catch?? to dismiss Phil Salt in Champions Trophy 2025

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In the high-octane world of international cricket, where every boundary scored and wicket taken is scrutinized under the global spotlight, the emotional bedrock of players often lies far from the pitch. As Australia gear up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 —a tournament synonymous with pressure and prestige—the role of wives, girlfriends, and families becomes paramount. These partners are more than just faces in the crowd; they are confidantes, caregivers, and the steadying force?? during the turbulent tides of a cricketer’s career. From managing homes during endless tours to celebrating triumphs and weathering controversies, their support is the invisible thread weaving through the fabric of Australia’s cricketing success. Let’s meet the remarkable women standing beside the men in green and gold.

Steve Smith & Dani Willis: The Captain’s quiet strength

Steve Smith’s wife, Dani Willis, has been his anchor since their 2018 wedding. A marketing professional who shuns the limelight, Dani stood resol??utely by Smith during the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, embodying loyalty. Her calm demeanour balances Smith’s int??ense on-field persona, offering solace during highs and lows.

Sean Abbott & Brier Neil: A love rooted in sport

Pace bowler Sean Abbott’s wife, Brier Neil, is a former netball player who understands athlete life. The couple, parents to a young daughter, prioritizes privacy, but Brier’s empathy shines through her support during Abbott’s career challenges, including his emotional return after Phillip Hughes�?tragedy.

Alex Carey & Eloise Carey: Balancing duty and family

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey’s wife, Eloise, a nurse, juggles her demanding career with raising their ??two children. Her resilience allows Carey to focus on the game, knowing their family thrives under her steadfast care.

Ben Dwarshuis & Courtney Bridge: Adventurers in love

Fast bowler Ben Dwarshuis�?girlfriend, Courtney Bridge, is a teacher and eco-advocate. Their Instagram showcases shared adventures, from hiking to beach trips, reflecting a bond built ?on wanderlust and mutual support.

Nathan Ellis & Connie Edwards: Schoolteacher’s lesson in love

Nathan Ellis�?wife, Connie Edwards, a schoolteacher, married the bowler in 2022. ??Her grounding presence has been vital during Ellis�?injury comebacks, proving that patience is as crucial off the field as pace is on it.

Also READ: In pics: Meet the wives and girlfriends o?f South Africa cricketers | Champions Trophy 2025

Jake Fraser-McGurk & Maddie White: Young love, shared ambition

Rising star Jake Fraser-McGurk’s girlfriend, Maddie White, is a student and athlete?. Their shared fitness routines and youthful ener??gy mirror Jake’s meteoric rise, blending romance with ambition.

Aaron Hardie & Anna Bodlovich: Fitness duo goals

All-rounder Aaron Hardie’s partner, Anna Bodlovich, a fitness instructor, often shares workout videos wi?th him. Her expertise fuels Hardie’s athleticism, symbolizing a par?tnership that thrives on health and hustle.

Travis Head & Jessica Davies: Philanthropy and parenthood

Travis Head’s wife, Jessica Davies, balances motherhood (they have a son, Oscar) with mental health advocacy. Her charity work and vibrant social media presence make her a fan favorite, embod??ying grace under pub?lic scrutiny.

Josh Inglis & Megan Kincart: Wedding Bells and wicketkeeping

Engaged to wedding planner Megan Kincart, Josh Inglis benefits from her kn?ack for organization. Megan’s events during tours keep team spirits high, proving love and logistics go hand-in-hand.

Spencer Johnson & Sarah Petherick: Yoga and quiet devotion

Fast bowler Spencer Johnson’s partner, Sarah Petherick, a teacher and yoga enthusiast,? brings zen to their private life. The??ir low-key romance highlights the power of quiet companionship.

Marnus Labuschagne & Rebekah Labuschagne: Cross-continental commitment

Marnus�?wife, Rebekah, left her South African home to support his c??areer. Now a mother of two, she champions charity c??auses, blending family life with philanthropy.

Glenn Maxwell & Vini Raman: A multicultural power couple

Glenn Maxwell’s wife, Vini Raman, an Indian-origin pharmacist, adds cultural richness to their bond. Her steadfastness during ??Maxwell’s mental health breaks showcases love’s hea?ling power.

Tanveer Sangha: Family first

Young leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha keeps his personal life private, drawing strength from his close-knit family. Their unwavering belief fuels his met?eoric rise.

Matthew Short & Madi Wilson: Low-key love

Batter Matthew Short’s wife, Madi Wilson, a swimmer, prefers staying out of headlines. Her support during his domestic cricket ??grind underscores humility behind the scenes.

Adam Zampa & Harriet Palmer: fashion and fatherhood

Spin wizard Adam Zampa’s partner, Harriet Palmer, a fashion designer, balances motherhood and her brand. Their chic, family-oriented life reflects mod??ern ??partnership goals.

Cooper Connolly: Family’s rising star

Travelling reserve Cooper Connolly leans on family support as he navigates early caree?r cha?llenges, proving that behind every young talent is a proud household.

Also READ: In Pi??cs: Meet the wives and girlfriends of ??England cricketers | Champions Trophy 2025

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Australia, a six-time World Cup-winning nation, will enter the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as a formidable con??tender. However, their journey appears significantly t?ougher this time due to the absence of key players.

Australia’s squad challenges for Champions Trophy 2025

The team will be without Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh due to injuries, while Mitchell Starc has opted out for personal reasons. Additionally, Marcus Stoinis�?retirement from ODIs leaves a noticeable gap in their squad. This means Australia will field a substantially different side from the one that lifted the ODI World Cup 2023. Despite these setbacks, Australia’s competitive nature remains intact, and they will look to reclaim the Champions Trophy for the ??first time since 2009.

With Cummins ruled out, Steve Smith has been entrusted with the leadership role for the tournament. This will mark a significant moment in Smith’s career, as he returns to captaincy in a major ICC event after being stripped of it in 2018. Leading a squad that lacks its first-choice fast bowlers and senior all-rounders will be a major test for Smith. Australia will have to rely on a mix of experienced players and young t??alents as they prepare for the tournament in Pakistan’s challenging conditions.

Gilchrist picks the opening partner of Travis Head

Former Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist has suggested a bold move – playing Smith as an opener alongside Travis Head in ODIs. Gilchrist believed that giving Smith more deliveries to face could be beneficial, despite his underwhelming numbers as an opener across formats – 242 runs in 10 innings at an average of 30.25, with a highest score of 91 and a strike rate of 63.68. While Smith has never opened in ODIs, Gilchrist pointed out that he has succeeded in T20s at the top and could be an asset in the role for 50-over cricket.

“It’s a challenging one at the moment, but Smith should open. I didn’t see where he was slotted in the game against Sri Lanka. Obviously, Travis is going to be there – he’s fresh and fit. I also like Matt Short being there – he can form a nice left-hand-right-hand combination – that would be the preferred way for me to go. But I do think Smith can open – we have seen him do that in 20-over cricket really well,” Gilchrist said on ABC Summer Grandstand.

Also READ: Champions Trophy 20??25: Australia’s Michael Clarke predicts top run-scorer, wicket-taker and player of the tournament

A tough group stage and limited preparation

Australia’s Champions Trophy 2025 group consists of England, Afghanistan and South Africa – three teams that could pose significant challenges, especially in subcontinental conditions.

Gilchrist believed Australia’s limited preparation for this format could make the tournament challenging, especially since many teams, including Australia, have prioritized 50-over cricket in a World Cup year. He acknowledged that this tournament offers a chance to experiment with younger players, which may lead to mixed results. While Australia have a strong track record of adapting and progressing in tournaments, the absence of some key players could make this a difficult campaign, especially in unfamiliar conditions.

“I guess there’s been limited preparation with regards to this format. The Australian team were outstanding in the huge summer �?both men’s and women’s. But a lot of nations will focus on 50-over cricket when it’s a World Cup year certainly in terms of volume of the games and who’s actually playing it. That’s what Australia do well – they scrape well, but it’s going to be challenging in those conditions over there. They don’t have the full strength of players who they would like to take typically, so this might be a tough tournament for them,” Gilchrist concluded.

Also READ: Austra?lia’s Michael Clarke picks his favourite team to win Champions Trophy 2025

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be one of the most anticipated cricketing events, featuring the world’s top teams battling for supremacy. Scheduled to commence on February 19 in Pakistan, the competition has already generated immense excitement, particularly with the marquee clash between India and Pakistan set to take place on February 23 in Dubai.

While teams are finalizing their preparations, cricket experts and former players have begun sharing their predictions for the tournament, including potential winners, finalists, and standout performers. As the buzz around the tournament intensifies, former Australian World Cup-winning captain Michael Clarke has come f??orward with his insights on key individual performances.

Michael Clarke’s choice for the the leading run scorer

During the Beyond23 Cricket podcast, host Erin Holland asked former Australian captain Clarke about his predictions for the top perf?ormers in the Champions Trophy 2025.

When asked about the tournament’s top run-getter, Clarke immediately placed his bet on India’s captain, Rohit Sharma. “Well, I’m saying India is going to win, so I’m going with their captain who’s back in form. I’m going to say Rohit Sharma will be the leading run-scorer in the tournament,” Clarke stated. Acknowledging Rohit’s recent resurgence, he expressed excitement over the veteran batter returning to his best. “Wouldn’t it be great to see him back in wonderful form? It’s good to see him making runs again. Absolutely, I think India needs him for sure,” the 43-year-old added.

Also READ: Australia’s Michael Clar?ke picks h?is favourite team to win Champions Trophy 2025

Leading wicket-taker and Player of the Tournament

Clarke’s choice for the leading wicket-taker was England’s express pacer Jofra Archer, despite England not being among the favorites to win the tournament. “Wow, most wickets? Well, when we did the PSL last year, it didn’t spin that much; the wickets were slow. I’m going to go with a fast bowler. I’ll pick Jofra Archer as the leading wicket-taker,” Clarke predicted. While he acknowledged England’s challenges, he backed Archer’s ability to be a game-changer. “I know England might not do that well, but I think he’s a superstar. Jofra is going to be really hard to play, so I’m going to have him as my leading wicket-taker,” Given Pakistan’s history of producing pa??ce-friendly tracks, Clarke believed the conditions could favor quick bowlers.

For the standout performer of the tournament, Clarke chose Australia’s in-form batter, Travis Head. “If it’s between India and Australia, I’m going with Travis Head. His IPL form was phenomenal, his Australian summer Test form was phenomenal, and after a short break in Sri Lanka, he’s ready to go again,” Clarke explained. Despite predicting an Australian defeat in the final, he felt Head’s impact would be undeniable. “I’ll say Travis Head will be the player of the tournament, even if Australia loses the final,” Clarke asserted.

Clarke also highlighted Head’s versatility, particularly with his underrated bowling skills, which could add another dimension to his impact. “He’s got so many gears to his game. His confidence is high, and I think his bowling is underrated. Let’s see if Steve Smith, as captain, uses him in different conditions, because he could pick up some handy wickets too,”

Also READ: Aust??ralia’s Da??vid Warner predicts the winner of Champions Trophy 2025

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The much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE, featuring eight of the world’s top teams comp??eting for the prestigious title. As one of cricket’s most celebrated tournaments, the event has already generated immense excitement among fans. The playing conditions in Dubai and Pakistan are expected to play a crucial role, with dry pitches, spin-friendly surfaces, and potential dew factors influencing the games. T?eams will need to adapt quickly to these challenges to make a mark in the tournament.

Michael Clarke names his favourite team

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke shared his insights on ????the upcoming tournament, highlighting India as the strongest team in ODIs. Speaking on the Beyond 23 Podcast, Clarke praised the Indian squad’s depth, particularly in their batting lineup and spin attack, which he believes will give them an edge in the tournament.

“The Indian team is a very strong team. They have great batsmen and excellent spinners. The pitch in Dubai will be different. Rohit Sharma has come into great form. Hardik Pandya is a great all-rounder. The Indian team is a very good team in ODIs. This is a format in which it is difficult for other teams to defeat the Indian team,” Clarke said.

Clarke’s re?marks come at a time when India’s recent performances in ODI cricket have been dominant, with the team boasting a balanced combination of experienced players and emerging stars.

Also READ: West Indies legend Chris G?ayle predicts the winner of Champions Trophy 2025

Still a threat despite injuries in the team

While Australia have been hit with injuries to key players, Clarke believes they remain a dangerous side. He pointed out that Steve Smith’s leadership and Travis Head’s impact could be pivo?tal for the team’s success in the Cham?pions Trophy.

“Even though the key players of the Australian team are injured, the team still has great players. There is Travis Head, who is definitely very important for Australia in this tournament. On the other hand, Steve Smith is captaining. Australia is still a strong team,” Clarke added.

Also READ: Muttiah? Muralitharan names 2 key players for Indi??a’s Champions Trophy 2025 success

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Australia are set to play a short two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka at the R. ??Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, with matches scheduled for Wednesday (February 1??2) and Friday (February 14).

Two-match ODI series in Colombo as final preparation for Champions Trophy

Initially, the series was planned as a one-off match, serving as a warm-up before the Champions Trophy 2025. However, both cricket boards agreed to add another game, providing both teams an additional opportunity to fine-tune their squads before heading to Pakistan for the marquee tournament starting February 19.

This series is particularly crucial for Australia, who have already asserted their dominance by winning the Test series in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Nevertheless, transitioning to the 50-over format comes with its own set of challenges, es??pecially with injuries derailing their plans.

Injury woes disrupt Australia’s plans

Australia’s preparations for the Champions Trophy 2025 have taken a major hit due to a string of injuries to key players. Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Marcus Stoinis have all been sidelined, forcing the team management to rethink their approach just days before the tournament begins. This setback leaves three – potentially four – first-choice players missing from their Champions Trophy squad, creating a significant challenge in structuring the team, particularly in the bowling department.

While the top six batters seem relatively stable, Australia’s lower-order composition and bowling attack require serious reconsideration. Losing Cummins and Hazlewood has weakened their pace attack significantly, leaving Mitchell Starc as the only experienced fast bowler in the squad. Meanwhile, the absence of Marsh and Stoinis also disrupts the t?eam’s all-round balance, making selection dilemmas even trickier.

Also READ: Australia’s David Warner pre??dicts the winner of Champions Trophy 2025

Australia’s best playing XI for the two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka

1. Matthew Short

• Role: Top-order batter, part-time off-spinner
• Impact: A dynamic option at the top of the order, he brings an aggressive approach that can put the opposition under pressure early. His ability to play spin well makes him a valuable asset in subcontinent conditions, and he can also contribute with handy off-spin if needed.
• Strength: A clean striker of the ball who can accelerate from the start, providing quick runs in the powerplay. His off-spin adds another bowling option, making him a versatile pick in the XI.

2. Travis Head

• Role: Left-handed opening batter
• Impact: A naturally attacking batter who can take the game away from the opposition in the first 10 overs. His ability to play spin well and his experience in international cricket make him a key player at the top of the order.
• Strength: Strong power-hitter who can dominate pacers and spinners alike, providing a left-hand option at the top that helps balance the lineup. Has played crucial knocks in big tournaments.

3. Steve Smith (c)

• Role: Right-handed middle-order batter, captain
• Impact: The most technically sound batter in the lineup, responsible for stabilizing the innings and playing anchor roles when needed. His leadership brings composure and tactical sharpness.
• Strength: Exceptional against spin, capable of playing long innings under pressure, and one of the best players of the sweep shot. His adaptability allows him to shift gears based on the match situation.

4. Josh Inglis (wk)

• Role: Wicketkeeper-batter, middle-order hitter
• Impact: Provides stability in the middle order and a strong finishing ability. His aggressive style suits high-scoring matches, and his wicketkeeping skills make him a dependable option behind the stumps.
• Strength: Can play both spin and pace well, adapts quickly to different conditions, and has an attacking mindset that can accelerate the scoring rate when needed.

5. Marnus Labuschagne

• Role: Middle-order batter, part-time leg-spinner
• Impact: Plays the role of a stabilizer in the middle overs, ensuring the team doesn’t lose wickets in clusters. His ability to rotate strike and play long innings makes him a crucial presence in the batting order.
• Strength: Excellent against spin, has a strong temperament in pressure situations, and is a reliable fielder. His leg-spin, though occasional, can be useful as a sixth bowling option.

6. Glenn Maxwell

• Role: Batting all-rounder (right-hand bat, off-spin)
• Impact: A match-winner on his day, Maxwell brings explosiveness with the bat, control with the ball, and athleticism in the field. His ability to change the game within a few overs makes him a dangerous player in ODIs.
• Strength: Can play innovative shots, counter-attacks spin with ease, and can be a frontline off-spinner if conditions suit. Also a game-changer in the field with his quick reflexes and direct throws.

7. Cooper Connolly

• Role: Batting all-rounder (left-hand bat, left-arm spin)
• Impact: A young talent who provides an extra bowling option while adding depth to the batting lineup. Can be a middle-order enforcer with his left-handed batting, offering variety in a right-heavy lineup.
• Strength: Plays spin well, has a fearless approach to batting, and can contribute with left-arm spin in conditions that favor slow bowling.

8. Nathan Ellis

• Role: Right-arm fast bowler
• Impact: A key bowler in the death overs, known for his variations and ability to restrict batters in the final stages of an innings. Provides control and can bowl in any phase of the game.
• Strength: One of the best death-over specialists with his well-disguised slower balls and yorkers. Can also bowl effectively with the new ball if needed.

9. Adam Zampa

• Role: Lead leg-spinner
• Impact: Australia’s primary wicket-taking option in the middle overs, capable of breaking partnerships and keeping the run rate under control.
• Strength: A smart leg-spinner with excellent variations, including googlies and flippers. Knows how to set up batters and can be effective in subcontinent conditions.

10. Tanveer Sangha

• Role: Leg-spinner
• Impact: Provides an additional spin-bowling option, which is crucial in Sri Lankan conditions. Offers variation alongside Zampa and can be used strategically based on match-ups.
• Strength: Has good control over his leg-breaks and a deceptive wrong’un. Can be effective against left-handers and is a developing talent in Australia’s spin department.

11. Spencer Johnson

• Role: Left-arm fast bowler
• Impact: Brings left-arm pace variety to the attack, which is crucial for breaking partnerships and creating different angles for batters. Capable of swinging the new ball and bowling effective short-pitched deliveries.
• Strength: Generates good pace and bounce, which can trouble batters in any conditions. Has the ability to bowl sharp bouncers and deliver in the powerplay and middle overs.

Also READ: 5 Australian players who can ??replace Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewo?od in Champions Trophy 2025

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The anticipation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is already soaring, with the tournament set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE. Cricket fans are eager to witness some of the biggest stars in action as top teams battle for the prestigious title. With the ret??urn of the Champions Trophy after an eight-year gap, the excitement is at an all-time high. The subcontinental conditions, expected to favor both pacers and spinners at different venues, will make for an intriguing contest between bat and ball.

Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting pick their leading run-getters of Champions Trophy 2025

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri and Australian legend Ricky Ponting have made their predictions for the tournament’s highest run-getter. While speaking on the ICC Review Podcast, Shastri backed India’s young batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal to shine in the competition.

“The ball will start turning later; it’s not gonna be easy. I’ll look for the finalist, and looking at form, I’ll go with Yashasvi Jaiswal,” ??said Shastri, expressing confidence in the young left-hander’s ability to dominate in challengin?g conditions.

Ponting, on the other hand, chose Australia’s star batter Travis Head as his pick for the leading run-scorer. He highlighted Head’s exceptional performances in?? big matches, including his heroics in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.

“Well, Ravi said he likes left-handers, so I’m gonna stick to the left-handers’ theme and I’m gonna go with Travis Head. He’s just been crowned Australia’s Allan Border Medallist, which is Australia’s Cricketer of the Year. Think back to the big games he played lately, think back to the last 50-over World Cup—magnificent there. Another great summer in Australia in the Test series against India in some very tough conditions. He’s just playing the game mentally in a different way than a lot of players right now. These bigger games and bigger tournaments seem to suit him really well. I’ll go with Travis Head,” explained Ponting.

Also READ: Ravi Shastr?i and Ricky Ponting predict the finalists of Champions Trophy 2025

Ponting and Shastri predict the tournament’s top wicket-takers

When it came to predicting the highest wicket-taker of the Champions Trophy 2025, Ponting backed Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa, citing his effectiveness in limited-overs cricket and ??his ability? to take wickets in crucial moments.

“I’m gonna go for Adam Zampa. Once again someone who’s gonna go through the final, conditions will spin I think in the back end of this tournament, I think there will be the conditions that help spinners. I think the help Adam Zampa always gets is on the back of Australia’s fast bowlers because the fast bowlers are doing such a great job at one end and when he comes into the attack and batters, they can’t afford just to sit on him so they gotta go after him a liitle bit more knowing they are not getting easy runs from the other end and he picks up lots of wickets. I think he is Australia’s key player in the whole tournament so I’m gonna go with Zampa,” explained Ponting.

Shastri, meanwhile, backed Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav but also mentioned Australian speedster Mitchell Starc as a dangerous contender.

“I would go with Kuldeep Yadav for India and I’d say Mitchell Starc, don’t rule out Starc because as a fast bowler in those conditions, the ball reverses and he can be lethal. He can do the cleanup job at the end. So I would put Yadav and then If there was a fast bowler, I’d pick Starc,” added Shastri.

Also READ: Ravichandran As??hwin picks two strongest contenders to win Champions Trophy ?2025

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Travis Head, primarily known for his explosive batting, showcased his bowling skills during the second Test between Australia and Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium on February 6. Head struck gold in his first over, dismissing in-form Kamindu Mendis, and his celebration quickly went viral.

Travis Head pulls out hot hand celebration after dismissing Kamindu Mendis

In the 46th over of Sri Lanka’s first innings, Head delivered a short-pitched ball outside the off-stump. The extra bounce surprised Mendis, who edged the ball straight into the hands of Steve Smith. Mendis was out for 13 runs off 12 balls, exacerbating Sri Lanka’s struggles. This marked Sri Lanka’s fourth wicket to fall.

After dismissing Rishabh Pant in the Melbourne Test recently, Head celebrated in a quirky way that stirred discussions among fans and players. Head pointed one finger into his other hand’s palm, shaped like an O. When asked about it, Head explained the unique celebration, saying it means “finger on the ice“. He mentioned he started it in Sri Lanka.

The unusual gesture quickly went viral, with some hailing it as quirky and others questioning its intent. Former India batter Navjot Singh Sidhu expressed disapproval and called on the ICC to impose penalties for what he deemed an inappropri??ate display.

Also READ: SL vs AUS: ??Nathan Lyon opens up on Australia’s ambition of whitewashing Sri Lanka in the Test ?series

Here’s the Video:

//twitter.com/7Cricket/status/1887415660092756052

pic.twitter.com/IRsGEkTBll

— rohitkohlirocks@123@ (@21OneTwo34) February 6, 2025

Australia’s bowling performance dominate on Day 1

Sri Lanka, after winning the toss and choosing to bat first, faced a tough start. Australia’s bowling attack made early inroads, with Pathum Nissanka falling for 11 runs. Nathan Lyon removed both Dimuth Karunaratne and Angelo Mathews. At the time of Mendis�?dismissal, Sri Lanka stood at 126 for 4 in 46 overs, with Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis attempting to stabilize the innings.

After visitor’s first Test of 2022 tour of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka adjusted the pitch preparation to be more batter-friendly for the initial days before introducing significant spin. Head noted that the pitch being prepared for the game appeared different from the first Test. He recalled and adjusted to the previous conditions, where the ends were notably dry, and the middle was heavily rolled to neutralize Australia’s fast bowler Mitchell Starc.

Also READ: From 2000 to 2025: Here’s the list o??f Alla?n Border Medal winners ft. Travis Head

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