Australia's cricket team faces a challenging road ahead as Captain Pat Cummins is "hugely unlikely" to participate in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy due to an injury. Coach Andrew McDonald shared this concerning update alongside the news that fellow paceman Josh Hazlewood is also a doubt for the tournament. The Champions Trophy, an eight-nation competition, is set to begin on February 19 in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
McDonald, speaking on radio station SEN on Wednesday, revealed that Cummins has yet to resume any form of bowling, making his participation in the tournament improbable.
“Pat Cummins hasn’t been able to resume any type of bowling so he’s heavily unlikely, so that would mean that we do need a captain,” – Andrew McDonald
In addition to Cummins' ankle problem, the Australian captain had previously skipped the Test tour of Sri Lanka for the birth of his second child, further complicating his availability. McDonald confirmed that Cummins remains back home and is not with the team in Sri Lanka.
Vice Captain Mitchell Marsh has also been ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury, adding to Australia's leadership woes. With Cummins’ and Marsh’s absence, Australia finds itself in urgent need of a captain for the one-day tournament.
Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood's participation is uncertain as he battles fitness issues. Hazlewood was limited to just two Tests against India due to calf and side strains.
“Patty is hugely unlikely, which is a bit of shame, and we’ve also got Josh Hazlewood, who is battling [to be fit] at the moment,” – Andrew McDonald
In light of these setbacks, Steve Smith and Travis Head are being considered for leadership roles. Smith has already captained the Test side in Sri Lanka, showcasing his leadership capabilities. McDonald emphasized that the team has been having conversations with both Smith and Head about leading the Champions Trophy squad.
“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.” – Andrew McDonald
“They’ll be the two that we look at for that leadership post.” – Andrew McDonald
