Australia suffer major blow ahead of CT 2025 semi-final

Australia’s aggressive right-handed opener, Matthew Short, has been ruled out of the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 ahead of their highly anticipated semi-final clash against unbeaten India.

Short, injured during the Kangaroos' match against Afghanistan on February 8, will be replaced by Cooper Connolly in the 15-man squad.

The ICC’s Event Technical Committee has approved Connolly's inclusion, with the left-handed batter featuring in three ODIs for Australia.

Despite Connolly's addition, Cricket Australia indicated that Jake Fraser-McGurk is the most likely option to open, given his aggressive batting style and ability to exploit early conditions.

The injury setback comes as Australia prepare to take on unbeaten India in the first semi-final at Dubai International Stadium on March 4.

The Kangaroos were the first team from Group B to qualify for the knockout stage after their rain-affected match against Afghanistan in Lahore.

India, led by Rohit Sharma, topped Group A with three wins, including victories over Pakistan and New Zealand.