LAHORE: Wicket-keeper/batter Jamie Smith and paceman Jofra Archer were included in the England playing XI on Thursday for their crucial Champions Trophy opening match against arch-rivals Australia.

The high-profile Group ‘B’ match on Saturday, will be the first of the Champions Trophy to be staged at the Gaddafi Stadium.

The 24-year-old Smith last played an ODI in September against Australia at Bristol while right-armer Archer represented England in the first ODI against India earlier this month.

Meanwhile, the Australian team could not practise in the afternoon at the LCCA ground due to intermittent rain in Lahore.

On the other hand, the England squad held a training session in overcast conditions in the evening at the Gaddafi Stadium.

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

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2025