February 6, 2025: Australia’s preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy have been rocked by a series of unfortunate events as key players are sidelined due to injuries and retirements. The latest blow comes with the announcement that both captain Pat Cummins and pacer Josh Hazlewood will miss the tournament due to ongoing injury concerns.
Cummins has been struggling with an ankle injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he bowled a grueling 167 overs and took 25 wickets. Hazlewood, who has been battling a hip issue after recovering from side and calf strains, also faces an extended recovery period. Their absence adds to Australia’s growing injury woes, with Mitchell Marsh already ruled out due to a back injury.
The loss of these experienced players, coupled with Marcus Stoinis’s shock retirement from ODI cricket, leaves Australia in need of at least four replacements, including two all-rounders to maintain balance in the squad. National selector George Bailey confirmed the injuries of Cummins, Hazlewood, and Marsh, stating that they will not be fit in time for the Champions Trophy. While disappointing, Bailey noted that this situation provides a great opportunity for other players to step up.
With a final squad still to be named after the second Test against Sri Lanka, the pressure is on the Australian team management to find suitable replacements ahead of the tournament. The team will face arch-rivals England in their opening match on February 22, followed by clashes against South Africa and Afghanistan in the coming days.
In light of the leadership void left by Cummins’s absence, coach Andrew McDonald has suggested that Steve Smith and Travis Head could be considered as alternate captaincy candidates.
Australia’s preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy (yet to be finalized) currently includes:
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Alex Carey
- Nathan Ellis
- Aaron Hardie
- Josh Hazlewood
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Glenn Maxwell
- Matt Short
- Steve Smith
- Mitchell Starc
- Marcus Stoinis
- Adam Zampa
With a challenging road ahead, the Australian team will need to adapt quickly to these changes as they prepare for their high-profile opening clash against England.