Australia are gearing up to face their ashes rivals England in their opening match of the ongoing Champions Trophy, scheduled to be played in Lahore on Saturday. England have confirmed their playing XI for the clash as they are ready to unleash an all-out pace assault against Australia. They have included the pace trio of Jofra Archer, Mark Wood and Brydon Carse in their lineup for the crucial clash.

England, who are coming off a 0-3 series defeat against India in the recently concluded three-match ODI series, will have to perform brilliantly to outsmart Australia. Their batting depth, with power hitters like Jos Buttler, Ben Duckett and Harry Brook gives them an edge in high-pressure situations. Additional advantage for England is the return of veteran batter Joe Root, who is making his return to the ODI side after 18 months. 

Australia, on the other hand, have their own problems to deal with as they will be without the presence of their most experienced players Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, who all will be missing the tournament due to their respective reasons. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood have been ruled out due to injuries, while Starc has withdrawn from the tournament. 

In the absence of Cummins, Steve Smith will be leading Australia. Australia enter the Champions Trophy with a very different squad, making things little harder for the side. Nonetheless, Australia have players, who are well capable of turning things around. Batting responsibilities for Australia will lie with Travis Head, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey and Glenn Maxwell. While, their bowling attack will be led by Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa and Spencer Johnson. Australia, who have won the tournament twice, back-to-back in 2006 and 2009, will aim for the third title. 

Head-to-head

Matches - 161

Aus Won - 91

Eng Won - 65

Ties - 2

No result - 3

Australia Probable XI: Travis Head, Matt Short, Steve Smith (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson 

England XI: Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c, wk), Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood