Big blow for Australia as key pacers ruled out of Champions Trophy 2025

Cummins, the Australian ODI captain, has not recovered in time from the ankle injury he sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25

PHOTO: AFP

Australia's preparations for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 have been dealt a major blow as both their skipper, Pat Cummins, and key pacer, Josh Hazlewood, have been ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

The absence of Cummins and Hazlewood further weakens Australia’s squad, which was already without injured Mitch Marsh and the recently retired Marcus Stoinis.

Cummins, the Australian ODI captain, has not recovered in time from the ankle injury he sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25. Meanwhile, Hazlewood is sidelined due to a hip problem, which developed after previous issues with his hip and calf.

While Hazlewood’s precision and control will be missed, Cummins’ absence is particularly significant as it also means Australia will lose his inspirational leadership, brilliant bowling, and useful batting contributions. The duo collectively has 281 wickets in ODI cricket, and Cummins led Australia to their successful 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup campaign.

George Bailey, the chairman of Australia's national selection panel, provided an update on the injuries. "Unfortunately, Pat, Josh, and Mitch are managing some ongoing injuries and haven’t come up in time for the Champions Trophy," Bailey said.

"While disappointing, it does present a great opportunity for other players to perform for Australia in a world event," he added.

Both Cummins and Hazlewood will require an extended period of rehabilitation before they are cleared to return to action. Australia’s next major international commitment after the Champions Trophy will be the ICC World Test Championship Final in June.

Australia’s squad for the Champions Trophy will need to adjust, with replacements for Marsh, Stoinis, Cummins and Hazlewood yet to be named. Before the tournament, Australia will play a two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Australia, who have won the Champions Trophy twice, are placed in Group B for the 2025 tournament, alongside England, South Africa, and Afghanistan.

Australia squad for 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 will name four replacements and their captain for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.