Australia captain Pat Cummins’ participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy is uncertain as he continues to manage an ankle issue sustained during the Test series against India. It was confirmed on Thursday that Cummins will skip the two-Test tour of Sri Lanka, taking paternity leave, and will undergo scans to assess his fitness for the tournament, scheduled to be held in Pakistan and the UAE next month.
Chair of selectors George Bailey commented on the situation: "We’ll wait for the scan results to understand how it’s progressing. There’s still some work to be done, and we’ll know more soon."
Cummins bowled 167 overs in the five Tests against India, the most by an Australian bowler, claiming 25 wickets at an average of 21.36.
Australia begins their Champions Trophy campaign against England on February 22, following a one-off ODI against Sri Lanka on February 13, which serves as part of their preparations.
While Cummins led Australia to the 2023 ODI World Cup title in India, his appearances in the format have been limited due to workload management. In his absence, the team has relied on various stand-in captains, including Steven Smith, Mitchell Marsh, and Josh Inglis, for different series.
Josh Hazlewood, who missed most of the India series due to a calf injury, is being considered for a return in the Champions Trophy. "Josh is working hard, and his recovery is progressing well," Bailey said. However, concerns remain about the timeframe and the potential workload for fast bowlers in the tournament.
Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Sean Abbott are the frontline pacers selected for the Sri Lanka tour. Abbott, known for his resilience, may even earn a Test debut during the series. "Sean’s durability makes him a reliable option, especially under demanding conditions," Bailey noted.
The team management will await updates on Cummins and Hazlewood before finalizing their pace attack for the Champions Trophy.
Updated on 10th January, 2025 by MyFortune11 Team.