Glenn Maxwell has been spotlighted as Australia's potential key player for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with former all-rounder Shane Watson expressing confidence in his capabilities to lead the team. Watson, who has twice lifted the Champions Trophy as part of the Australian team, highlighted Maxwell's remarkable performance during the Big Bash League, reinforcing his belief nearing the tournament kickoff.
"The stand-out player for me is Glenn Maxwell," Watson stated. "With what I have seen recently, especially in the Big Bash, I believe he has some of his best cricket in front of him across the next two or three years, and I would be very surprised if he does not dominate this Champions Trophy." This statement was shared by Watson, serving as one of the ambassadors for the event, fueling excitement about Maxwell’s upcoming performance.
Maxwell’s recent success saw him finish the Big Bash League with impressive statistics, having scored 325 runs from nine matches at an average of 54.16 and a blistering strike rate of 186.78, which included three fifties. His form builds upon his historic innings against Afghanistan during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, where he achieved a stunning double century. Watson remarked, "He had an incredible innings against Afghanistan, but he has struggled to be consistent at times. That’s the nature of his role in the team. I think now everything has fallen perfectly for him, and he will play a pivotal part in the Champions Trophy."
This tournament promises to be particularly challenging for Australia. They will be without notable players like captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc due to various commitments, including injuries. Having suffered only one win from their last five ODIs, questions surround Australia’s ability to defend their title as reigning ODI world champions.
Despite these setbacks, Watson remains optimistic about Australia’s chances. He indicated, "Australia will be very hard to beat, even if their bowling squad is not quite as experienced; they still have the talent and capability to be competitive." With Maxwell at the forefront, Watson believes Australia can aspire to retain their dominant status on the world stage.
Australia kicks off its Champions Trophy campaign against arch-rivals England on February 22 at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, before facing South Africa and Afghanistan on February 25 and 28, respectively. Watson reflects on these potential matchups: "You have to be at your absolute best in this tournament. With this format, you need to hit the ground sprinting."
Looking at Australia’s prospects against formidable teams, Watson also identified India and South Africa as serious competitors. He noted, "India has had minimal player turnover since the last World Cup, which is hugely beneficial. South Africa, with their current form, should also be regarded as a major threat, having reached the finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup."
Watson firmly believes Maxwell's explosive performance could serve as the catalyst for Australia's success. He stated, "If Glenn can really find his form, he could change the course of matches, barring the reliance on the bowling squad's experience." Maxwell's statistics across major tournaments reflect his impactful presence; over the past years, he has scored 901 runs from 27 matches with three centuries, showcasing his ability to perform when it matters most.
With the tournament just around the corner, cricket enthusiasts and fans will be eagerly watching to see if Glenn Maxwell can deliver on Watson's predictions and help steer Australia to another ICC title. The expectations are high, and Maxwell's performance could be the decisive factor as Australia attempts to navigate what promises to be a thrilling competition.