Matthew Short Out, Cooper Connolly Joins Australia’s Champions Trophy Squad

Australia’s aggressive right-handed opener, Matthew Short, has been ruled out of the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 ahead of the Kangaroos’ semi-final clash against unbeaten India. Short, who sustained an injury during their match against Afghanistan on February 8, has been replaced by Cooper Connolly in Australia’s 15-man squad. The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Event Technical Committee has confirmed Connolly’s inclusion, who has featured in three ODIs for the Kangaroos. However, despite his inclusion, “Fraser-McGurk is the most logical like-for-like replacement for Short as an aggressive right-handed opener who can take advantage of favourable early batting conditions,” according to a statement issued by Cricket Australia. This change comes as Australia prepares to face the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place at the Dubai International Stadium tomorrow, March 4 (Tuesday). The Kangaroos, with three wins in the tournament, were the first team to qualify for the knockout stage after their match against Afghanistan in Lahore was washed out due to rain. Meanwhile, India leads the points table in Group A, having won all three of their matches, including victories against host Pakistan and New Zealand. The second semi-final will see South Africa facing New Zealand on March 5 (Wednesday) at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The tournament is being played in a hybrid format, with India playing all of its matches in Dubai. The venue for the tournament’s final depends on the result of the first semi-final. If Australia wins, the final is set to be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, whereas if Rohit Sharma’s team wins, the final will be played in Dubai on March 9.