Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson says South Africa are serious contenders to win the Champions Trophy.

Watson was part of the Australia team that lifted the trophy in 2006, hitting 57* to help them to an eight-wicket win against West Indies in the final.

He then scored a century in both the semi-final and final in 2009 and hit the winning runs as Australia retained their trophy in South Africa.

Watson, one of four event ambassadors for the 2025 edition, identified Australia, India and South Africa as likely winners this time round.

“I think Australia will be very hard to beat, even if their bowling squad is not quite as experienced as they might otherwise have been,” he said, referring to the absence of key pace bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.

“The stand-out player for me is [big-hitting batsman] Glenn Maxwell,” he said. “With what I have seen recently, especially in the Big Bash, I believe he has some of his best cricket in front of him across the next two or three years and I would be very surprised if he does not dominate this Champions Trophy.

“India have an incredibly strong squad and the conditions will suit them of course,” he added. “It’s a squad that is used to hot and humid conditions, so they will be hard to beat. There is hardly any player turnover from the last World Cup to now, and that consistency is hard to overlook.

“I really like Hardik Pandya, if he can stay fit then he can offer so much flexibility and skill – he’s probably the key one for me.

WATCH: When Proteas won an ICC tournament

“The other team I really like is South Africa. They made the final in the last T20 World Cup and have so much talent there.

“The batting lineup is so good, they have Heinrich Klaasen, who is one of the best short-format batters in the world, and David Miller as well. They have a range of skills with the ball as well, and the spinners add huge value there.

“I know they have not quite got over the line at ICC events but I really believe in this team.

“I would be surprised if they don’t get over the line in an ICC event soon because this generation has the talent and doesn’t have the scars. If they do, the floodgates could well open.”

LIVE: Afghanistan vs Proteas (Champions Trophy)

Photo: Chris Hyde/ICC via Getty Images