Pat Cummins likely to miss ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025: Steve Smith or Travis Head Likely to Lead Australia

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Pat Cummins to Miss ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Australia’s preparations for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 have taken a significant hit as reports suggest that captain Pat Cummins and veteran pacer Josh Hazlewood are unlikely to participate in the tournament. This development comes on the heels of the unfortunate injury to Mitch Marsh, forcing the Aussies to reassess their squad composition.

With the Champions Trophy set to begin on February 19 in Pakistan and the UAE, the Australian team management is scrambling to finalize their 15-member squad, which could see as many as three new inclusions due to these injuries.

Cummins’ Injury Concerns and Potential Leadership Shift

Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald recently provided an update on Cummins’ injury, indicating that the skipper has not resumed bowling, making his participation highly unlikely.

“Pat hasn’t been able to bowl yet, so it’s very unlikely he will make it to the tournament. That means we’ll need a new captain,” McDonald told Australian radio station SEN.

With Cummins out, the leadership responsibilities are expected to fall on either Steve Smith or Travis Head, both of whom have prior experience leading the national team.

“Smith and Head are the frontrunners for the captaincy. Smith has a strong track record in Test and ODI cricket, while Head has emerged as a crucial player in recent years. We’ll finalize our decision soon,” McDonald added.

Josh Hazlewood’s Fitness Under Scrutiny

Apart from Cummins, Australia is also facing concerns over Josh Hazlewood’s fitness. The experienced pacer, known for his accuracy and reverse swing, is currently undergoing medical assessments.

“We’re awaiting updates on Josh’s fitness, and we should have more clarity in the coming days,” McDonald mentioned.

With Hazlewood possibly ruled out, the selectors will have to find replacements to strengthen the bowling attack.

Possible Replacements for Australia’s Champions Trophy Squad

With Marsh, Cummins, and Hazlewood potentially unavailable, Australia may need to call up three new players to fill the gaps.

Cricket legend Ricky Ponting has suggested Mitch Owen, an uncapped all-rounder, as a possible replacement for Marsh. Additionally, Sean Abbott and Spencer Johnson are strong contenders to replace Hazlewood in the squad.

Teams have until February 12 to submit their final 15-player squad to the ICC, making the upcoming days crucial for Australia’s team selection.

Australia’s Champions Trophy 2025 Journey

Australia is placed in Group B alongside:
England
South Africa
Afghanistan

Before heading to Pakistan and the UAE, the Aussies will play a two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in Colombo as part of their final preparations.

With a potential leadership change, key injuries, and a shifting squad dynamic, Australia’s road to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 looks challenging. However, the team remains determined to compete for their third Champions Trophy title and add to their illustrious legacy.

Australia’s Preliminary Champions Trophy 2025 Squad

(Subject to finalization by February 12)

  • Pat Cummins (c) (Likely to be replaced due to injury)
  • Alex Carey
  • Nathan Ellis
  • Aaron Hardie
  • Josh Hazlewood (Doubtful due to injury)
  • Travis Head (Potential captain)
  • Josh Inglis
  • Marnus Labuschagne
  • Glenn Maxwell
  • Matt Short
  • Steve Smith (Potential captain)
  • Mitchell Starc
  • Marcus Stoinis
  • Adam Zampa
  • (Replacement Player TBD for Mitch Marsh)

Conclusion

With Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood facing fitness battles, Australia could head into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a new leader and a revised squad. As the team management evaluates potential replacements, all eyes will be on Steve Smith and Travis Head as the most likely candidates to take over the captaincy.

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