Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign has taken a major hit as key pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have been officially ruled out due to injuries. This double blow adds to the growing list of unavailable players, with all-rounder Mitchell Marsh also sidelined and Marcus Stoinis announcing his retirement from ODIs.
“Pat and Josh are managing some ongoing injuries and haven’t come up in time for the Champions Trophy,” selection chair George Bailey confirmed on Thursday. Their absence leaves Australia with critical gaps in both leadership and bowling depth, forcing selectors to make significant changes ahead of the February 12 squad deadline.
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Injury Woes Shake Up Australia’s Title Aspirations
With four players missing from the initial 15-man squad named on January 13, Australia must now reshuffle their lineup. The selectors have already introduced three fast bowlers—Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson, and Ben Dwarshuis—alongside leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha, spin-bowling all-rounder Cooper Connolly, and batter Jake Fraser-McGurk.
It is likely that two of the three quicks will earn a spot in the final Champions Trophy squad, while Fraser-McGurk appears to be a natural replacement for Marsh. Connolly could take Stoinis’ place, but Australia now find themselves with only one seam-bowling all-rounder, Aaron Hardie, in the mix. The absence of Test all-rounder Beau Webster from the ODI squad further complicates matters.
“While disappointing, it does present a great opportunity for other players to perform for Australia in a world event,” Bailey added, emphasizing the silver lining in this situation.
Leadership Conundrum: Smith or Head?
With Cummins unavailable and vice-captain Marsh ruled out, Australia must also appoint a new captain. Coach Andrew McDonald hinted at the two leading candidates for the role.
“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,” McDonald said.
“They’ll be the two that we look at for that leadership post. They’re the two obvious ones. Steve has done a great job here in the [first] Test match. He’s done some good work in one-day international cricket across the journey as well. So it’s between those two.”
Both Smith and Head are key figures in Australia’s batting lineup, and their leadership experience makes them viable choices. However, with the tournament fast approaching, the final decision will need to be made swiftly.
Cummins & Hazlewood Eye Recovery, IPL Future Uncertain
Cricket Australia has confirmed that Cummins and Hazlewood will begin an “extended period of rehabilitation,” with their return timeline yet to be determined. The duo has already missed the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka, and their participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) remains in doubt.
Cummins is set to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) again, while Hazlewood is returning to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). However, their availability for the lucrative T20 tournament will depend on their recovery progress and Cricket Australia’s workload management, especially with the World Test Championship final against South Africa scheduled for June.
Cummins has been dealing with an ankle injury aggravated by a grueling workload during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Meanwhile, Hazlewood, who previously missed several matches due to side and calf injuries, is now facing a hip issue.
Australia’s Immediate Challenge: ODI Series vs Sri Lanka
Before finalizing their Champions Trophy squad, Australia will play a two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, starting on February 12 in Colombo. The timing adds to the selectors’ dilemma, as multiple ODI squad members—including Smith, Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, and Mitchell Starc—are currently involved in the Test series in Galle.
With only one travel day between the final Test and the first ODI, assembling a full-strength XI could be a challenge. Starc, in particular, is expected to be rested, further testing Australia’s depth.
As the Champions Trophy approaches, the Australian team faces a daunting task of restructuring their squad, addressing leadership gaps, and ensuring their best players are fit and ready for the tournament. Whether they can overcome these hurdles remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Australia’s path to silverware just got a lot tougher.
Read More: Champions Trophy 2025: Full List of Players Ruled Out Due to Injury
FAQs
Why are Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the Champions Trophy?
Both players are managing injuries and haven’t recovered in time for the tournament, as confirmed by selection chair George Bailey.
Who are the potential replacements for Cummins and Hazlewood in Australia’s squad?
Fast bowlers Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson, and Ben Dwarshuis are likely to replace them, while Cooper Connolly and Jake Fraser-McGurk could fill other vacancies.
Who will captain Australia in the Champions Trophy?
With Cummins unavailable and vice-captain Marsh injured, selectors are considering Steve Smith and Travis Head for the leadership role.
Will Cummins and Hazlewood play in IPL 2024?
Their participation remains uncertain as they begin an extended rehabilitation period. Cummins is set to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad, while Hazlewood is contracted with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
When is Australia’s squad deadline for the Champions Trophy?
Australia must finalize their squad by February 12, which coincides with the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
