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Australia set to face India in white-ball series before Ashes

Australia is set to face India in a white-ball series ahead of the Ashes, as Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed its Men’s 2025-26 home international schedule.

The schedule also marks the return of cricket to Darwin as an international venue for the first time in 17 years.

The Aussies will begin their home season in mid-August, shortly after completing their West Indies tour.

Australia will play South Africa in August, while India will tour for eight-white ball matches in 21 days ahead of the men’s Ashes, which begins in late November.

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Additionally, Northern Australia is set to host a two-Test series against Bangladesh in 2026, rescheduled from March 2027 due to the 150th anniversary Test at the MCG.

Darwin is among the potential venues for one of the matches, along with Cairns, Mackay, and possibly Townsville.

For the unversed, Darwin last hosted international cricket in 2008 when Australia played Bangladesh. The return of cricket in the Northern Territory means that Australia will play in all states and territories during the 2025-26 home season.

Australia Men’s 2025-26 Home Schedule vs South Africa

August 10: 1st T20I, Darwin (N)
August 12: 2nd T20I, Darwin (N)
August 16: 3rd T20I, Cairns (N)
August 19: 1st ODI, Cairns (D/N)
August 22: 2nd ODI, Mackay (D/N)
August 24: 3rd ODI, Mackay (D/N)

vs India

October 19: 1st ODI, Perth Stadium (D/N)
October 23: 2nd ODI, Adelaide (D/N)
October 25: 3rd ODI, SCG (D/N)
October 29: 1st T20I, Canberra (N)
October 31: 2nd T20I, MCG (N)
November 2: 3rd T20I, Hobart (N)
November 6: 4th T20I, Gold Coast (N)
November 8: 5th T20I, Gabba (N)

Men’s Ashes

November 21-25: 1st Test, Perth Stadium
December 4-8: 2nd Test, Gabba (D/N)
December 17-21: 3rd Test, Adelaide
December 26-30: 4th Test, MCG
January 4-8: 5th Test, SCG

READ: Pakistan team arrives in Hamilton for second ODI against New Zealand

India storm into Champions Trophy final with thrilling win over Australia

DUBAI: Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya blitz propelled India to victory over Australia in the 1st Semi-Final of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

India successfully chased a challenging target of 265 on a fresh Dubai pitch in 48.1 overs on losing six wickets.

In pursuit of the target, India lost both openers inside the power play. Rohit Sharma (28) and Shubman Gill (8) were dismissed quickly, thanks to some good bowling from Australia.

After the early hiccup, Indian stalwart Virat Kohli and Sheryas Iyer added a 91-run stand to steady the chase. Iyer departed after making a well-made 45 off 62 deliveries, featuring three fours.

But Kohli remained steadfast in the chase, forming vital partnerships with Axar Patel and KL Rahul.

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He was the standout performer, scoring a flawless 84 off 98, laced with four boundaries, before being dismissed in the 42nd over.

Following his dismissal, Hardik Pandya took control of the chase and struck a quick-fire 28, bringing India close to the victory. He struck three huge sixes in his 28 off 24 balls.

With only 4 required off 12 balls, Rahul, who remained unbeaten on 42, hit the winning runs with a six over midwicket and steered India into their third consecutive Champions Trophy final.

For Australia, Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa were the pick of the bowlers, each claiming two wickets.

India veteran batter Virat Kohli was named the Player of the Match for his outstanding batting performance in the all-important Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia.

Earlier, Steve Smith and Alex Carey’s half-centuries set India a target of 265 in 50 overs.

After opting to bat, Australia were bowled out for 264 in 49.3 overs.

Former champions had a poor start as their new opener, Cooper Connolly, was dismissed for a duck after playing nine deliveries.

After the first wicket, Head and Steve Smith added a quick-fire stand of 50 runs. Travis Head smashed five fours and two sixes in his 39 off 33 deliveries before being dismissed off Varun Chakravarthy.

Australia lost wickets at regular intervals, but Steve Smith remained firm at one end and kept the scoreboard ticking with crucial partnerships.

He formed a crucial 54-run partnership with Alex Carey for the fifth wicket, bringing Australia close to 200 runs.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

Smith remained the top scorer with his gritty knock of 73 runs, which featured four fours and one six.

After Smith’s departure in the 37 overs, Alex Carey took the charge and helped Australia reach a competitive total. He scored 61 off 59 deliveries, with eight fours and one six.

Mohammed Shami was India’s standout bowler, taking three wickets, while Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja bagged two wickets each.

Playing XIs

Australia: Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Steve Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Cooper Connolly, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Tanveer Sangha, Adam Zampa

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy

READ: Pakistan head coach explains Babar-Rizwan’s exclusion from T20I squad

Australia opener ruled out of Champions Trophy, replacement named

Cricket Australia (CA) has named all-rounder Cooper Connolly as the replacement for the injured opener Matthew Short in their squad ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final.

Connolly was initially named as Australia’s travelling reserve in the multi-nation tournament.

Matthew Short injured his calf while fielding during Australia’s rain-hit clash against Afghanistan. Although he batted in the run chase and made quick fire 20, he appeared to be in discomfort during his brief stay at the crease.

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The ICC Event Technical Committee has approved Connolly’s inclusion in Australia’s squad.

While speaking in a post-match presentation, Australia skipper Steve Smith had stated about the opener’s injury status, mentioning that he may not recover in time.

“I think he’ll be struggling. We saw tonight that he wasn’t moving very well, and I think it’s probably going to be too quick between games for him to recover,” said Smith.

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Copper Connolly has represented Australia in three One-Day Internationals. Due to his ability to bowl spin, he could go straight into the playing XI for the semi-final against India.

It is pertinent to note that Australia has another opener, Jake Fraser-McGurk, in their squad. However, due to the conditions in Dubai favouring spinners, he might not play in the all-important encounter.

Australia squad for Champions Trophy 2025:

Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Adam Zampa.

Read: Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finalists confirmed after India humbles New Zealand