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Australia’s preparations for the Champions Trophy 2025 have taken a major hit as captain Pat Cummins is highly unlikely to participate due to an ongoing ankle injury. Cummins, who skipped the Test series against Sri Lanka for the birth of his second child, has been struggling with an ankle issue that worsened following his workload in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
While Australia’s ODI squad, excluding the Test players, is set to leave for Sri Lanka on Thursday, head coach Andrew McDonald conꦫfꦜirmed that Cummins has not resumed bowling and is unlikely to travel with the team.
“Pat Cummins hasn’t been able to bowl yet, so it’s highly unlikely he’ll be fit in time. That means we need to find a new captain,” McDonald stated in an interview with SEN.
Australian coach reveals who can lead the team in the absence of Pat Cummins
With Cummins facing a race against time, McDonald has shortlisted Steve Smith and Travis Head as potential leaders for the Champions Trophy campaign💎.
“Steve Smith and Travis Head are the two options we’ve been considering while planning our squad, along with Pat, who has been recovering back home. They are the frontrunners for the leadership role,” McDonald explained.
He further emphasized Smith’s experience and previous leadership stints in international cricket, stating, “Steve has done a fantastic job in the first Test and has led in ODIs before. So, it’s between these two. But with Pat’s chances looking slim, we’ll have to finalize our decision soon.”
Also READ: 3 Australian players who can replace Pat Cummins in Cha✤mpions Trophy 2025 if he remains unfit
Injury woes for the Aussies
Cummins’ uncertainty adds to Australia’s growing list of injury concerns. Star all-rounder Mitchell Marsh⛦ has already been ruled out of the tournament and is not expected to return to competitive cricket this season. The selectors are yet to name his replacement for the Champions Trophy squad.
Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is also in doubt, battl💦ing a hip issue after recovering from side and calf injuries that forced him to miss multiple Tests against India and the Sri Lanka tour.
“Josh Hazlewood is also facing fitness challenges at the moment. We’re waiting on medical updates, and in the next few days, we should have a clearer picture,” McDonald added.
With their captain’s participation uncertain and key players struggling with injuries, Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign faces a major🥂 challenge. The selectors will soon have to make cruci♋al decisions regarding squad adjustments and leadership choices.
