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Australia has been dealt a massive blow ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as captain Pat Cummins and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood have been ruled out due to injuries. The tournament is set to take place in Pakistan and UAE from February 19 to March 9.
This comes as a double setback for the defending World Cup champions, who were already hit by Marcus Stoinis’ ODI retirement and Mitchell Marsh’s withdrawal due to a persistent back issue.
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Injury Woes for Australia
🔹 Pat Cummins is still recovering from an ankle injury he sustained near the end of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India.
🔹 Josh Hazlewood has developed a hip issue, adding to his previous struggles with hip and calf strains.
🔹 Mitchell Marsh, who had been battling a painful back condition, was also withdrawn from the squad.
With the IPL 2025 season following the Champions Trophy, both Cummins and Hazlewood’s participation in the tournament now appears doubtful.
Australia’s Squad Reshuffle
National selection panel chair George Bailey confirmed the development and highlighted the opportunity for other players.
“Unfortunately, Pat, Josh, and Mitch are managing some ongoing injuries and haven’t come up in time for the Champions Trophy. While disappointing, it does present a great opportunity for other players to perform for Australia in a world event,” Bailey told Cricket Australia.
🚨 Captaincy Change?
With Cummins out, head coach Andrew McDonald has suggested that Steve Smith or Travis Head could take over as captain.
Additional Players Called Up
Australia has made multiple squad adjustments following these setbacks:
✅ Tanveer Sangha – Will remain with the squad in Sri Lanka for ODIs and could be a traveling reserve for the Champions Trophy.
✅ Sean Abbott & Cooper Connolly – Will stay on for ODIs in Colombo.
✅ Jake Fraser-McGurk, Ben Dwarshuis & Spencer Johnson – Joining the ODI squad in Sri Lanka for the February 12 & 14 games.
Australia’s Champions Trophy Fixtures
📅 February 22 – vs England (Lahore)
📅 February 25 – vs South Africa (Rawalpindi)
📅 February 28 – vs Afghanistan (Lahore)
Australia is placed in Group B, alongside England, South Africa, and Afghanistan. With Cummins and Hazlewood out, their pace attack and leadership structure will now need urgent reinforcements. 🚨
