Australia Suffers Double Blow: Pat Cummins and Josh Hazalahead Out of Champions Trophy 2025

Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Australia suffered yet another significant blow as speedster Josh Hazlewood and captain Pat Cummins were declared out of the competition due to injury. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh and recently retired Marcus Stoinis are already on Australia's expanding list of absentees, and this blow is the most recent addition. Before the deadline of February 12th, Australia must select up to four substitute players to complete their Champions Trophy team. 

Australia had originally included Cummins in their preliminary roster, despite doubts over his availability. Near the end of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which Australia won 3-1 in January 2025, the skipper sustained an ankle injury. George Bailey, Australia's selection chair, revealed that Cummins and Hazlewood were left out of the squad, citing the regrettable timing of their injuries. According to Cricket Australia, both bowlers will require a lengthy recuperation period.

Australia Struggles in Champions Trophy 2025:

Due to a hip problem, Josh Hazlewood, who suffered from calf and hip issues during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, will not be playing. Mitchell Marsh was pulled earlier after failing to recover from a back ailment, and Marcus Stoinis declared his retirement from one-day internationals as recently as Thursday, February 6.

ESPNcricinfo quoted Bailey on Thursday saying, “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."

A number of players have been added to the Australian squad for their two-match ODI series in Sri Lanka due to many injury setbacks. Under Steve Smith's guidance, Australia is presently engaged in the last Test of a two-match series at Galle.

For the forthcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, Australia has selected Ben Dwarshuis, Spencer Johnson, and Sean Abbott; one or more of them is probably going to be selected for the Champions Trophy team. In addition, opener Jake Fraser-McGurk, spin-bowling all-rounder Cooper Connolly, and leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha have all been selected for the two-match series.

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