Aaj English TV

Saturday, February 08, 2025  
10 Shaban 1446  

Australian cricketer Pat Cummins unlikely to play in ICC Champions Trophy

Head coach says Steven Smith and Travis Head are potential candidates to lead the team
Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham, Britain - September 19, 2024 Australia’s Matt Short celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of England’s Jamie Smith. Reuters
Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham, Britain - September 19, 2024 Australia’s Matt Short celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of England’s Jamie Smith. Reuters

Australia’s plans for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy have been disrupted as Australian cricketer Pat Cummins is unlikely to participate in the tournament.

“Pat Cummins hasn’t been able to resume any type of bowling so he’s heavily unlikely, so that would mean that we do need a captain,” Head coach Andrew McDonald told Australian radio station SEN.

“But, as I said, Patty is hugely unlikely, which is a bit of shame, and we’ve also got Josh Hazlewood, who is battling (to be fit) at the moment. So that medical information will land over the next couple of days and we’ll be able to shore that up and let everyone know the direction.”

McDonald confirmed this setback and mentioned that Steven Smith and Travis Head are potential candidates to lead the team in Cummins’ absence.

The Australian squad has already been impacted by the injury of experienced all-rounder Mitch Marsh, and the absence of Cummins and Hazlewood may further weaken the team as they aim for their third Champions Trophy title.

Additionally, leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha has been sent to Sri Lanka for development and may join the Australian team for the two One Day Internationals against Sri Lanka before heading to the Champions Trophy.

Australia legend Ricky Ponting recently suggested uncapped all-rounder Mitch Owen as a potential replacement for Mitch Marsh during an appearance on The ICC Review. He also mentioned Sean Abbott and Spencer Johnson as other pace options that could be considered.

The Aussies are drawn in Group B at the Champions Trophy alongside Afghanistan, England and South Africa, ahead of a potential berth in the knockout stages of the eight-team tournament.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on December 24, 2024, the schedule for the Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, with Karachi hosting the opening match of the mega event on February 19.

Read more

Australian cricketer Mitchell Marsh booked in India

World Cup 2023: Australia down Sri Lanka to secure first win

India to play Champions Trophy matches in UAE

For the latest news, follow us on Twitter @Aaj_Urdu. We are also on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

cricket

ICC

Australia

Sri Lanka

Champions Trophy

sports

Pat Cummins

Champion's trophy