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In a significant setback for Australian cricket, the team’s captain Pat Cummins and ace fast bowler Josh Hazlewood have been officially ruled out of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This news comes as a blow to the Australian squad, which is already grappling with the absence of all-rounder Mitchell Marsh due to a back injury and Marcus Stoinis, who has announced his retirement from one-day internationals.
The injury toll of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood
The Australian captain has been sidelined due to an ankle injury that he sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series against India earlier this year. This injury has not healed in time for him to participate in the Champions Trophy, which is set to start later this month. Cummins, known for his leadership and bowling prowess, was a pivotal figure in Australia’s recent World Cup win, making his absence particularly felt.
Similarly, the experienced pace bowler Hazlewood has been battling a series of injuries, including a hip strain, following a calf injury that kept him out of several matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His unavailability adds to the concerns over Australia’s bowling lineup, which will now be without two of its most reliable performers.
Also READ: Australian star all-rounder announces retirement from ODI cricket ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025
The impact on Australia’s strategy
With these key players out, Cricket Australia (CA) faces the challenge of reshaping the team’s strategy for the tournament. The decision was announced by George Bailey, Australia’s national selection panel chair, who expressed disappointment but also viewed it as an opportunity for other players to step up in a global event.
Leadership conundrum
In the absence of Cummins, the captaincy might fall to either Steve Smith or Travis Head. Both have experience leading the team, with Smith having a successful track record in Test cricket and Head showing promise in limited-overs formats.
Notably, Australia have until February 12 to finalize their squad. The team is expected to include players like Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson, and Ben Dwarshuis, who are part of the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka. New talents like leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha, spin-bowling all-rounder Cooper Connolly, and promising batter Jake Fraser-McGurk are also in contention for the Champions Trophy squad.
