Australia Faces Major Setbacks Ahead of Champions Trophy 2025: Cummins, Hazlewood, Marsh Ruled Out
In a significant blow to Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign, fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have officially been ruled out due to ongoing injuries. This was confirmed by selection chair George Bailey on Thursday, who also announced that all-rounder Mitchell Marsh is sidelined with a back injury, and Marcus Stoinis has retired from ODI cricket, making him unavailable for the tournament.
Injury Concerns Rock Australia
Australia’s injury woes deepen with captain Cummins, Hazlewood, and Marsh all missing out. The team now faces a challenging task of reshuffling the squad, with the final selection deadline set for February 12. Cricket Australia said Cummins and Hazlewood will begin an “extended period of rehabilitation,” leaving fans hopeful for their return by the World Test Championship final in June.
Key Players Missing from Champions Trophy 2025
Australia is not just missing its star bowlers but also all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who announced his retirement from ODI cricket, further complicating squad decisions. His announcement on Thursday means Australia will enter the tournament without some of its most experienced players.
Australia’s Revised Squad for Sri Lanka ODIs
Before the Champions Trophy, Australia will play two ODIs against Sri Lanka starting on February 12 in Colombo. Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson, and Ben Dwarshuis have been called up for these games, offering them a chance to prove themselves. It’s possible that one or more of these players could make their way into the final Champions Trophy squad.
Other potential inclusions include legspinner Tanveer Sangha, spin-bowling allrounder Cooper Connolly, and batter Jake Fraser-McGurk, all of whom have been selected for the Sri Lanka series.
Leadership Dilemma: Who Will Captain Australia?
With Pat Cummins unavailable, Australia faces a decision on the captaincy. Steven Smith and Travis Head are the leading contenders. Selection chair George Bailey hinted that both players are being considered for the leadership role during the two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy.
“Steve Smith and Travis Head are the two we’ve been having conversations with,” said head coach Andrew McDonald. “They’ll be the ones we look at for that leadership post.”
Possible Replacements and New Opportunities
While injuries are a setback, Bailey emphasized the opportunity for other players to step up in a global event like the Champions Trophy. Beau Webster could be one of the new names to watch, offering a chance for Australia’s next generation of cricketers to shine.
Australia Squad Updates:
Squad: Pat Cummins , Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
- Out: Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis
- Likely Inclusions: Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson, Ben Dwarshuis, Tanveer Sangha, Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser-McGurk
- Captain Candidates: Steven Smith, Travis Head
Key Dates:
- February 12: Australia vs. Sri Lanka (1st ODI)
- Champions Trophy Final Squad: To be finalized by February 12.
Australia’s road to the Champions Trophy just got a lot tougher, but with emerging players and fresh faces, the team is poised for an exciting challenge.
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