DOHA: Shane Watson has expressed confidence in Glenn Maxwell’s ability to play a pivotal role in Australia’s pursuit of victory at the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.
At 36 years old, with over 250 international caps across all formats, Maxwell’s credentials are well established. Yet, his recent form in the Big Bash League, where he was named one of two Players of the Series, has convinced Watson that the dynamic all-rounder still has his best cricket ahead of him.
Australia, the reigning 50-over world champions and currently ranked second in the ICC Men’s ODI rankings, are heading to Pakistan with a squad facing some challenges. Despite their pedigree, the team has won just one of their last five ODI matches, and with key bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc missing from the squad due to injury and personal reasons, doubts have been raised about their chances of clinching the trophy.
However, Watson, a two-time ICC Men’s Champions Trophy winner and one of the event’s Ambassadors, is confident Australia will remain formidable, particularly if Maxwell can deliver.
“The stand-out player for me is Glenn Maxwell,” Watson said. “From what I’ve seen recently, especially in the Big Bash, I believe he has some of his best cricket still to come over the next two or three years. I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t dominate this Champions Trophy.
“He had that incredible double century against Afghanistan in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, but consistency has sometimes eluded him. That’s the nature of his role in the team. However, it now feels like everything has come together for him, both in his cricket and personal life, so I expect him to play a pivotal role.
“I believe Australia will be very tough to beat, even with a less experienced bowling attack than usual.”
Watson, who knows what it takes to succeed in the Champions Trophy, played a central role in Australia’s triumphs in 2006 and 2009. In 2006, he helped Australia to an eight-wicket win in the final, contributing 57 not out against the West Indies, and in 2009, he scored a century in both the semi-final and final to help Australia retain their title.
With the absence of Cummins, Hazlewood, and Starc, new bowlers like Nathan Ellis and Spencer Johnson will have a chance to step up. Ellis, 30, and Johnson, 29, have a combined total of just 10 ODI caps, with Sean Abbott, the most experienced fast bowler in the squad with 26 ODI appearances.
Despite their inexperience, Watson is confident they can rise to the occasion.
“In this event, you need to be at your best from the get-go,” Watson said. “Spencer Johnson is a great opportunity for us. He may not swing the ball much, but he bowls at serious pace. At 6’6″, he generates bounce with ease, and it’s thrilling to watch how effortlessly he delivers at high speeds.”
With Maxwell primed for a dominant performance and Australia’s emerging bowlers set to make their mark, Watson believes the team remains a force to be reckoned with as they chase another Champions Trophy title.
