England are feeling optimistic about their Champions Trophy campaign, with key players returning to fitness ahead of their opening clash against Australia in Lahore on Saturday. While recent performances have been far from ideal, a fully fit squad could provide a much-needed boost as they seek to turn their form around.
Concerns over injuries have eased significantly, with all 15 players taking part in their first training session at Pakistan’s National Academy. Just a week ago, the situation looked grim, with a string of injuries affecting Ben Duckett (groin), Jofra Archer (hand), Jamie Smith (calf), and Brydon Carse (toe), while Jacob Bethell had already been ruled out with a hamstring injury. However, three days before their opener, only Carse remains uncertain, though he has resumed bowling at around three-quarter intensity after recently having stitches removed from a toe blister.
Duckett’s groin issue, initially considered serious, appears to be less severe than feared, meaning he is likely to feature, though his ability to field remains under assessment. Archer has recovered from the split webbing on his right hand and bowled at full pace in training, while Smith, who struggled with a calf strain, returned to batting and keeping wicket. Jamie Overton has also shaken off hamstring stiffness.
A heavy travel schedule and injury concerns led the coaching staff to scale back training intensity towards the end of England’s recent 3-0 series defeat in India. While this approach faced criticism from commentators, it may have been necessary to ensure the squad was fit for the Champions Trophy. However, England’s recent ODI form remains worrying, with eight defeats in their last 11 matches. They will need a drastic turnaround to compete for the only men’s trophy they have yet to win. Following the Australia clash, they will face Afghanistan and South Africa, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, New Zealand made a strong statement in the opening game of the tournament, securing a 60-run victory over defending champions Pakistan in Karachi. Will Young anchored the innings with a composed 107, while Tom Latham played a pivotal role with an unbeaten 118. Despite a shaky start, New Zealand powered their way to 320 for five, aided by Glenn Phillips’ brisk 61.
Pakistan’s chase never gained momentum, with the hosts eventually being bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs. Half-centuries from Babar Azam (64) and Khushdil Shah (69) provided some resistance, but they were unable to challenge New Zealand’s total. The Black Caps have set an early marker in the tournament, demonstrating their title aspirations with a commanding victory.
