The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is being played in hybrid model as the Indian cricket team refused to travel to Pakistan due to political tensions betwen the two nations. India are playing all their matches in Dubai. However, India's national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana' was played at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on February 22 before the clash between England and Australia.
Just before England's national anthem 'God Save The King' was supposed to play after Australia's 'Advance Australia Fair', India's national anthem started playing. The DJ at the stadium realised his mistake soon enough and switched to Australia's national anthem 'Advance Australia Fair'.
The videos of the faux pas have gone viral on social media. A day after, India will take on Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. It is Mohammad Rizwan-led Pakistan's must-win encounter as they lost their first match to New Zealand at The National Stadium, Karachi.
Australia bowl first
Earlier, Australia captain Steve Smith won the toss and opted to bowl first. He confirmed that two wicketkeeper-batters -- Jos Inglis and Alex Carey -- will play in their campaign opener.
"We're gonna have a bowl.. Looks a pretty good surface. There's a bit of dew when we were practising, so we'll like to chase later on. Short, Head, myself, Marnus, Inglis, Carey, Maxwell, Dwarshuis, Ellis, Spencer Johnson and Zampa. (On playing two left-handed pacers) Little bit of swing up top, we'll try to utilise that as much as possible. (Carey) He's been batting really nicely. The two keepers played together in the Test matches, worked out well and both are quality batters. Always exciting, looking forward to getting started today," Smith said after winning the toss.
Playing XIs
Australia Playing XI: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Steven Smith(c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis(w), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson
England Playing XI: Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith(w), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler(c), Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood