Massive setback for Australia ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Australia has suffered another significant blow ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with key players Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood officially ruled out of the tournament due to injuries. This setback adds to the growing list of absentees, which already includes all-rounder Mitchell Marsh and the recently retired Marcus Stoinis, leaving the team in a precarious situation. The loss of Cummins, the Australian captain, and Hazlewood, one of their premier fast bowlers, has raised concerns within the team, especially with the Champions Trophy just around the corner. The absence of these two crucial players places additional pressure on the selectors, who now face the daunting task of finding replacements before the February 12 deadline for finalizing the squad. 

The situation is further compounded by the need to ensure that the replacements not only fit into the team but also maintain the level of performance expected on the international stage. George Bailey, Australia’s selection chair, confirmed the unfortunate news of their injuries and expressed the team’s disappointment, especially with the timing so close to the tournament. Cricket Australia has stated that both Cummins and Hazlewood will undergo extended rehabilitation, with no clear timeline for their return. As Australia looks to regroup, the management will need to act swiftly to make crucial decisions regarding squad composition in preparation for the upcoming tournament.

“Pat and Josh 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,” chief selector George Bailey said on Thursday.

Pat Cummins, who had already opted out of the ongoing Test series in Sri Lanka to be with his family for the birth of his second child, has been struggling with an ankle issue. The injury worsened after his heavy workload during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Cummins bowled a massive 167 overs and took 25 wickets, but the intense workload has clearly impacted his fitness, forcing him to miss the Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood has been battling a persistent hip problem after recovering from previous side and calf injuries, which had already kept him out of several Tests over the last few months. The fast bowler’s ongoing issues further reduce Australia’s bowling strength heading into the tournament.

With Cummins unavailable, Australia faces a leadership dilemma. Head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that the team is in discussions about who will captain the side in the absence of the regular skipper. Steve Smith and Travis Head are reportedly the leading candidates for the role. As Australia looks to finalize their squad, these leadership and fitness concerns create additional challenges ahead of the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

"Steve Smith and Travis Head are the two that we've been having conversations with while we've been building out that Champions Trophy team along with Pat back home. They'll be the two that we look at for that leadership post. They're the two obvious ones. Steve has done a great job here in the [first] Test match. He's done some good work in one-day international cricket across the journey as well. So it's between those two," said Australia head coach Andrew McDonald.