Shane Watson Picks Australia’s Stand-out Player For Champions Trophy 2025

As Australia prepares to kickstart their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, all eyes are on their blockbuster opening clash against England at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 22. This high-octane battle between two of cricket’s fiercest rivals is set to set the tone for the tournament.

Australia, placed in Group B alongside South Africa, England, and Afghanistan, will be looking to stamp their authority early in the competition. Notably, South Africa kicked off the group stage with a dominant 107-run win over Afghanistan in Karachi on February 21, putting pressure on the rest of the teams to perform.

With the tournament heating up, former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has weighed in on who he believes will be the standout player for Australia. In his ICC column, Watson identified Glenn Maxwell as the player to watch, backing him to dominate the tournament and deliver match-winning performances for his team.

Shane Watson’s Pick: Glenn Maxwell, Australia’s Trump Card

Shane Watson, a veteran of ICC tournaments himself, knows what it takes to shine on the biggest stage. In his analysis, he highlighted Glenn Maxwell’s explosive abilities, asserting that the all-rounder is entering the best phase of his career and is primed to play some of his finest cricket in the coming years.

“The stand-out player for me is Glenn Maxwell. 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.”

Watson’s confidence in Maxwell is not unfounded. Over the years, Maxwell has built a reputation as one of the most unpredictable and devastating cricketers in the world. Whether with the bat, ball, or in the field, he has the rare ability to single-handedly change the course of a match.

Why Glenn Maxwell is Australia’s X-Factor?

1. Maxwell’s Recent Form: A Warning Sign for Opponents

Maxwell’s performances in recent tournaments have been nothing short of sensational. In the 2023-24 Big Bash League (BBL), he was in red-hot form, playing crucial knocks and delivering with the ball when needed. His aggressive stroke play, fearless approach, and all-round skills make him a dangerous asset for Australia.

Watson believes Maxwell’s current form is a sign of things to come, suggesting that he is at a stage in his career where everything is coming together—both on and off the field.

“It now just feels like it has all fallen into place for him, and that’s with everything in his life, not just his cricket. I think he will play a pivotal part in this tournament.”

2. The Afghanistan Heroics: A Glimpse of Maxwell’s Match-Winning Abilities

One of Maxwell’s most iconic innings came in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 against Afghanistan, where he scripted an unbelievable comeback with a double century—one of the greatest ODI knocks in history.

In a match where Australia looked down and out, Maxwell produced a breathtaking 201 off 128 balls*, leading his team to victory from the brink of defeat at 91/7. His knock, filled with jaw-dropping shots, immense composure, and unrelenting aggression, cemented his legacy as one of the greatest white-ball players of his generation.

Watson believes that if Maxwell finds that same rhythm, there’s no stopping him in the Champions Trophy 2025.

3. Versatility Across Formats and Roles

Unlike conventional batters, Maxwell isn’t restricted to just one role. His ability to bat anywhere in the order—from opener to finisher—gives Australia immense tactical flexibility.

Middle-Order Finisher: Maxwell can accelerate the innings in the death overs, ensuring Australia posts or chases down huge totals.
Spin-Bowling Option: His off-spin is underrated, often breaking crucial partnerships.
Dynamic Fielder: Whether at point, long-off, or mid-wicket, he is an electric fielder capable of game-changing run-outs and stunning catches.

This multi-dimensional skill set makes him irreplaceable in Australia’s limited-overs setup.

Australia’s Champions Trophy 2025 Campaign: Maxwell’s Role

As Australia embarks on its Champions Trophy journey, Maxwell’s performance will be crucial in determining their success. Here’s what lies ahead for the Aussies in the group stage:

1. England (February 22 – Lahore)

Australia’s arch-rivals, England, are a dangerous side with a deep batting lineup.
Maxwell’s ability to play spin and pace equally well makes him vital against England’s versatile bowling attack.

2. South Africa (February 26 – Karachi)

South Africa dominated Afghanistan in their opener, meaning they’ll enter the match full of confidence.
Maxwell’s role will be crucial in countering their in-form pacers like Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje.

3. Afghanistan (March 1 – Lahore)

Given Maxwell’s history against Afghanistan, this could be another game where he shines.
Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack may force Maxwell to anchor the innings or counter-attack aggressively.

If Australia wants to dominate the group stage, Maxwell will have to step up consistently across all three matches.

Can Maxwell Lead Australia to Their Third Champions Trophy Title?

Australia has a rich history in the Champions Trophy, having won the tournament twice (2006 and 2009). Given their squad depth, experience, and hunger for an ICC trophy, they are one of the favorites in 2025.

However, their middle-order stability will be heavily reliant on Maxwell. If he fires, Australia will be extremely hard to stop.

Watson’s Final Verdict on Maxwell’s Impact

Watson’s belief in Maxwell stems from the idea that he is now in a mental and physical space where everything is aligning for him to perform at his best.

“He had that incredible innings against Afghanistan in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, where he scored a double century, but he has struggled to be consistent at times. That’s the nature of his role in the team. However, it now just feels like it has all fallen into place for him.”

If Maxwell indeed delivers on Watson’s expectations, he could be the biggest game-changer of Champions Trophy 2025 and lead Australia to yet another ICC title.

Final Thoughts: The Time is Now for Glenn Maxwell

As the Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off, Maxwell stands at a career-defining juncture. He has been a match-winner for years, but this tournament could solidify his status as an all-time Australian great.

Shane Watson’s prediction isn’t just based on hope—it’s based on Maxwell’s extraordinary ability, recent form, and his undeniable impact in big matches.

With Australia eyeing their third Champions Trophy title, one thing is certain—if Maxwell dominates, so will Australia.

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