Australia: Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign has taken a major hit, with captain Pat Cummins “hugely unlikely” to feature due to injury, while paceman Josh Hazlewood is also doubtful, coach Andrew McDonald confirmed.
Cummins, who opted out of the ongoing Test series in Sri Lanka for the birth of his second child, is also nursing an ankle problem. With the tournament set to begin on February 19 in Pakistan and the UAE, Australia may be forced to find a new captain for the ODI event.
McDonald stated that, “Patty is hugely unlikely, which is a bit of a shame, and we’ve also got Josh Hazlewood, who is battling at the moment. That medical information will land over the next couple of days, and we’ll be able to shore that up and let everyone know the direction.”
With vice-captain Mitchell Marsh already ruled out due to a back injury, Australia will have to turn to other leadership options. Steve Smith and Travis Head are being considered for the role.
McDonald added that, “Pat Cummins hasn’t been able to resume any type of bowling, so he’s heavily unlikely, meaning we do need a captain. Steve Smith and Travis Head are the two that we’ve been having conversations with while we’ve been building out that Champions Trophy team along with Pat back home. They’ll be the two that we look at for that leadership post.”
Hazlewood, meanwhile, continues to struggle with injuries after being limited to just two Tests in the recent series against India due to calf and side strains. His potential absence would leave Australia without two of their premier fast bowlers for the tournament.
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