Pat Cummins, who didn’t play the Tests against Sri Lanka, is yet to recover from the ankle niggle that frustrated him during the end of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, while Josh Hazlewood is still recuperating from a calf strain.
The last time Josh Hazlewood played an international game was against India in the drawn third Test at Brisbane. Earlier, Mitchell Marsh was ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to a back injury.
“Unfortunately Pat, Josh and Mitch are managing some ongoing injuries and haven’t come up in time for the Champions Trophy,” national selection panel chairman George Bailey said on Thursday.
“While disappointing, it does present a great opportunity for other players to perform for Australia in a world event,” said Bailey. In Pat Cummins’ absence, either Steve Smith or Travis Head will lead.
Australia’s Champions Trophy fixture
Australia are placed in Group B alongside England, Afghanistan and South Africa in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Australia’s squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa
Australia are yet to name four replacements
