Australia has been plagued by injury concerns and will head into the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to commence on February 19, without several key players. Cricket Australia has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood have been ruled out of the marquee tournament.
This news comes after all-rounder Marcus Stoinis announced his immediate retirement from ODI cricket. The vacancy in the squad will be finalized after the ongoing Test match in Galle. Earlier, Mitchell Marsh was withdrawn from the squad due to a worsening back injury during his recent rehabilitation.
Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood Ruled Out of Champions Trophy, Confirms George Bailey
National selection panel chair George Bailey confirmed that Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh have been ruled out of the Champions Trophy. Bailey was disappointed over their unavailability but said this opens up a valuable opportunity for other players to showcase their talent.
“Unfortunately Pat, Josh and Mitch are managing some ongoing injuries and haven’t come up in time for the Champion’s Trophy,” George Bailey said today.
“While disappointing, it does present a great opportunity for other players to perform for Australia in a world event.”
Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood Suffered Injuries in Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Pat Cummins suffered a sore ankle during the final stages of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar series. However, he was included in the provisional squad for the Champions Trophy, with his final selection depending on scan results. Cummins has not recovered from the injury and will miss the tournament.
Josh Hazlewood, on the other hand, missed the second Test in Adelaide due to a calf strain. He returned for the third Test in Brisbane, but he appeared uncomfortable and bowled just six overs in the rain-affected match. Hazlewood has now developed a hip issue, adding to his previous calf and hip injuries.
After the ICC Champions Trophy, Australia’s next international outing will be the World Test Championship final against South Africa, which is scheduled for mid-June at Lord’s in London.
Steve Smith and Travis Head Potential Replacements for Pat Cummins as Captain
Australia’s coach, Andrew McDonald, stated that Steve Smith and Travis Head are potential replacements for Pat Cummins as captain in the Champions Trophy.
In preparation for the upcoming ODI series, several players will travel to Sri Lanka. Test squad members Sean Abbott and Cooper Connolly will also remain in Sri Lanka for the ODIs.
Other players like Jake Fraser-McGurk, Ben Dwarshuis, and Spencer Johnson will join the ODI squad as well. With Cummins and Hazlewood’s absence, Australia will have to make several changes to their bowling lineup, and Aaron Hardie, Beau Webster, and Sean Abbott will be in the race for selection.
Tanveer Sangha, coming off a strong Big Bash League performance, has joined the Test squad. Australia’s bowling attack is expected to feature just one frontline spinner, Adam Zampa, with Glenn Maxwell offering support as a second spinner.
Also read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Marcus Stoinis shockingly announces retirement from ODI cricket
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