Champions Trophy 1st SF, IND vs AUS Playing 11: Two changes in Aussies XI

India vs Australia semifinal Playing 11: Rohit's losing streak at the toss continues; Australia make two changes. India unchanged

Australia have won the toss and chosen to bat first in the high-stakes ICC Champions Trophy semi-final against India at the Dubai International Stadium. Captain Steve Smith, citing the dry nature of the surface, backed his side to put up a strong total and apply pressure with spin later in the match.

 

The decision also adds another chapter to Rohit Sharma’s incredible streak of misfortune at the toss—this marks his 11th consecutive loss in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), tying him with Netherlands' Peter Borren for the second-longest losing streak. The record for most consecutive tosses lost still belongs to West Indies legend Brian Lara, who endured a 12-toss streak between October 1998 and May 1999. 

 

 

 

India have now lost 14 consecutive tosses in a row, the longest such streak in ODIs - one that started with the ODI World Cup 2023 final between these two sides in Ahmedabad.

 

Most consecutive tosses lost by a captain in ODIs 

12 - Brian Lara (West Indies, October 1998 to May 1999)

11 - Peter Borren (Netherlands, March 2011 to August 2013)

11*- Rohit Sharma (India, November 2023 to March 2025)

  Smith confident in Australia’s approach

  Explaining his decision at the toss, Smith said, "Looks a pretty dry surface, pretty dry square, so we'd like to get some runs on the board. The guys had a couple of sessions at the academy, and they are ready to go. It should be a good contest. Looks a lot drier and should take more turn."

 

Acknowledging India’s strength, Smith added, "They are a very good side, and we always enjoy coming up against them. We are looking forward to it."

 

Australia have made two changes—Cooper Connolly replaces Matt Short, while Tanveer Sangha comes in for Spencer Johnson.

 

Rohit unfazed by toss setback 

Despite his unfortunate streak, Rohit took the toss loss in stride. "I was prepared to do both. When you're in two minds, it's better to lose the toss," he quipped, maintaining his calm approach.

 

Having played three games at this venue already, Rohit pointed out the unpredictable nature of the surface. "Each time, the pitch had something different in it. You can’t really predict how it’s going to play. At the end of the day, you have to play good cricket, and that’s what we’re focused on."

 

India have stuck with the same XI that played their last match, banking on their spin-heavy combination to thrive in Dubai’s conditions.

 

With the stage set, Australia will look to post a formidable total, while India’s bowlers aim to make early inroads and keep the scoring in check. A blockbuster semi-final awaits.

 

Playing XIs: 

Australia: Cooper Connolly, Travis Head, Steven Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha

 

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy