Champions Trophy: Meet the teams

Check out the Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka teams.

Some of the world's finest cricketers will joust for the headlines when the top eight teams clash during the ICC Champions Trophy, which begins in London on Thursday, June 1.

Defending champions India boast of a strong batting line-up led by the swashbuckling Virat Kohli not to forget the hugely popular Mahendra Singh Dhoni who could be making his final appearance in a big tournament in England.

Hosts England will be the team to beat, with stars like Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Jos Buttler among others.

World champions Australia are also a team to watch out for, with the likes of Steve Smith, David Warner, Mitchell Starc, Chris Lynn in its ranks.

South Africa are a leading contender too with a line-up that features A B de Villiers, Hashim Amla and Kagiso Rabada.

New Zealand are led by the impressive Kane Williamson, perhaps the best batsman around.

And don't forget the unpredictable Pakistan team, ready to spring surprises despite their relative inexperience.

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh too are very capable of upsetting the top-rankers on their day.

Check out the teams:

Photograph: BCCI