The reigning 50-over world champions are facing more challenges ahead of the Champions Trophy, with the announcement that captain Pat Cummins and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will miss the tournament. This comes just after allrounder Marcus Stoinis revealed his immediate retirement from ODI cricket, meaning his spot will also need to be filled. Mitchell Marsh…
The reigning 50-over world champions are facing more challenges ahead of the Champions Trophy, with the announcement that captain Pat Cummins and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will miss the tournament. This comes just after allrounder Marcus Stoinis revealed his immediate retirement from ODI cricket, meaning his spot will also need to be filled.
Mitchell Marsh had already withdrawn from the squad due to a back injury that worsened during recent rehabilitation. Cummins is still struggling with an ankle issue, and Hazlewood is dealing with a hip injury following previous strains.
Both bowlers will require extensive recovery time, which raises doubts about their availability for the Indian Premier League after the Champions Trophy. Australia’s next international commitment is the World Test Championship final against South Africa in June.
George Bailey, chair of the national selection panel, acknowledged the injuries but emphasized the opportunity for other players to step up. With Cummins ruled out, coach Andrew McDonald has suggested that Steve Smith or Travis Head could take over as captain.
In light of these changes, several additional players will join the squad for the two upcoming ODIs in Colombo after the second Test in Galle. Emerging leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha, who has already joined the Test squad, will stay on for the ODIs and may be considered as a reserve for the Champions Trophy.
Test squad members Sean Abbott and Cooper Connolly, who recently made his Test debut, will also remain in Sri Lanka for the ODIs. Other players like top-order batter Jake Fraser-McGurk, seam-bowling allrounder Ben Dwarshuis, and left-arm paceman Spencer Johnson will join the ODI squad as well.
Australia’s first match in the Champions Trophy is against England on February 22 in Lahore, with the final scheduled for March 9. The two-game ODI series in Colombo serves as preparation for the tournament. If the current Test match goes into its fifth day, the teams will have less than 48 hours to travel to Colombo for the first ODI.