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Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Australia is facing a back-to-back blow as top players are ruled out of the touranment. After the shocking ODI retirement news of Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are now on the long list of players who won't be making the tournament in over one week's time. The duo will be missing the upcoming tournament due to injuries. According to reports, Pat Cummins is yet to recover from the ankle injury which he suffered during the BGT series against India, and ended up missing Tests against Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Josh is also recovering from the calf strain.
With Stoinis retirement news, and injury of these two important bowlers, there is a mounting pressure on the Australian cricket team. Stoinis' retirement decision is in immediate effect, and with this, the team is facing massive changes for the upcoming tournament. The Hazlewood and Cummins duo were in doubt to join the team, as head coach Andrew McDonald mentioned that the team management is yet to receive the scan report of Cummins, while Hazlewood hasn't full recovered yet.
Offers great opportunity for other players to perform: George Bailey on top players exclusion
Cummins and Hazlewood's absence adds to Australia's already difficult situation, which includes the ailing Mitchell Marsh. This means that the team will require four substitutes for the forthcoming Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, the national selection panel chairman, George Bailey believes that this is an opportunity for other players to show their skills for the national team.
"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,” George said during the press interaction.
Who will lead Australia without Pat Cummins?
Since Cummins will be rested for the tournament, there is a need for a change in the captaincy role. Australian head coach has hinted Steve Smith and Travis Head as two options for the captaincy role. In the bowling section, Sean Abbott and Spencer Johnson are two suggested names, while Beau Webster will compete for one of the open all-rounder positions. Ricky Ponting believed that uncapped Mitchell Owen may take the other berth.
Australia is in Group B of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, alongside England, Afghanistan, and South Africa. Australia will play its first match against England on February 22, followed by South Africa on February 25 and Afghanistan on February 28.
