New Delhi: Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have been added to Australia’s growing injury list, and the team will be without the pair for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Cricket Australia confirmed on Thursday. This news comes on the same day that all-rounder Marcus Stoinis announced his immediate retirement from ODIs. Stoinis, who was part of Australia’s Champions Trophy squad, will no longer feature in the tournament.
Pat Cummins, who missed the Tests against Sri Lanka, is still dealing with the ankle issue that troubled him towards the end of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood is continuing his recovery from a calf injury.
Josh Hazlewood’s most recent international appearance was in the third Test against India at Brisbane, which ended in a draw. Additionally, Mitchell Marsh has been sidelined from the Champions Trophy due to a back injury.
“Unfortunately Pat, Josh and Mitch are managing some ongoing injuries and haven’t come up in time for the Champions Trophy,” national selection panel chairman George Bailey said on Thursday.
“While disappointing, it does present a great opportunity for other players to perform for Australia in a world event,” said Bailey. In Pat Cummins’ absence, either Steve Smith or Travis Head will lead.
With Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood unavailable, Australia’s pace attack appears depleted. However, this creates an opportunity for players like Spenser Johnson and Sean Abbott to step in.
Australia’s ICC Men’s Champions Trophy fixture:
Australia is in Group B for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, alongside England, Afghanistan, and South Africa. They will begin their campaign on February 22 against England, followed by matches against South Africa on February 25 and Afghanistan on February 28.
Australia’s squad for ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025:
Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa
Australia are yet to name four replacements.
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