Australia’s preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 have hit a major setback, with captain Pat Cummins “hugely unlikely” to regain fitness in time for the tournament. Head coach Andrew McDonald also raised concerns over the availability of fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, leaving Australia scrambling for both a new leader and a replacement bowler.
Despite being named in Australia’s provisional 15-man squad, Cummins and Hazlewood’s fitness issues have thrown selection plans into uncertainty. The Australian camp now faces crucial decisions in the coming days, particularly regarding a new captain and a potential squad reshuffle.
Cummins’ Injury and Leadership Void
Cummins, who was managing an ankle issue throughout the five-Test series against India, has not been able to resume bowling. While he stayed back in Australia for the birth of his second child, his extended absence from training suggests he will not recover in time for the Champions Trophy.
“At the moment, Pat Cummins hasn’t been able to resume any type of bowling, so he’s heavily unlikely. That would mean that we do need a captain,” McDonald told SEN Radio.
With Cummins all but ruled out, Australia must urgently find a replacement leader. Mitchell Marsh had been the natural choice, having captained the ODI side in Cummins’ absence, but his own injury—lower back pain and dysfunction—has ruled him out of the tournament.
Hazlewood’s Uncertain Fitness
Hazlewood’s availability is also in doubt after he suffered a side strain during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and was later ruled out with a calf injury. There is little clarity on his recovery, with McDonald stating that medical reports are expected in the coming days.
“We’ve also got Josh Hazlewood who is battling at the moment,” McDonald said. “Medical information will land over the next couple of days. We’ll be able to sure that up and let everyone know the direction.”
Hazlewood’s absence would further weaken Australia’s bowling attack, leaving them without two of their most experienced fast bowlers. If he is ruled out, selectors will have to look for a replacement who can step up under pressure in high-stakes matches.
Who Will Captain Australia?
With both Cummins and Marsh unavailable, Australia has turned to Steve Smith and Travis Head as the leading captaincy candidates for the Champions Trophy.
“Steve Smith and Travis Head are the two (options) we’ve been having conversations with,” McDonald revealed. “Steve has done a great job here in the Test match, he’s done some good work in one-day international cricket across the journey as well. It’ll be between those two.”
Smith, the current Test captain on the tour of Sri Lanka, has vast leadership experience, having previously led Australia in all formats. He has also captained the ODI side in the past, making him a reliable option for a tournament of this magnitude.
Travis Head, meanwhile, has emerged as one of Australia’s most consistent white-ball performers. Though he lacks extensive captaincy experience at the international level, his leadership role in domestic cricket and aggressive approach make him a compelling choice.
With the Champions Trophy fast approaching, Australia must make a quick decision on the captaincy to ensure stability within the squad.
How Will Australia Adjust Their Bowling Attack?
Cummins and Hazlewood’s potential absence could force Australia to rethink their bowling combination. If both are ruled out, the team will likely rely on Mitchell Starc as the lead pacer. Other fast-bowling options in the squad include Sean Abbott and Nathan Ellis, both of whom could play a crucial role in filling the void.
Australia may also consider adding an extra pacer as a replacement, with Lance Morris and Jhye Richardson among the possible candidates. Both have impressed in domestic cricket and offer express pace, making them viable options to bolster the attack.
Key Fixtures and Tournament Build-Up
Before heading to the Champions Trophy, Australia will play two ODIs in Sri Lanka, which were expected to serve as crucial match practice for Cummins and Hazlewood. However, with their participation in doubt, these games will now be used to test potential replacements.
Australia’s opening fixture in the Champions Trophy is against England in Lahore on February 22. Given England’s aggressive batting approach, a weakened Australian bowling attack could face significant challenges.
Australia’s Likely Playing XI Without Cummins and Hazlewood
If both Cummins and Hazlewood are ruled out, Australia’s probable XI for the Champions Trophy could look like this:
- David Warner
- Travis Head
- Steve Smith (C)
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Glenn Maxwell
- Alex Carey (WK)
- Marcus Stoinis
- Nathan Ellis
- Sean Abbott
- Mitchell Starc
- Adam Zampa
This lineup would see Steve Smith take over the captaincy and Nathan Ellis or Sean Abbott filling in as a fast-bowling option alongside Starc. However, if Hazlewood is cleared to play, he would slot back into the attack.
Final Thoughts
Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign is off to a rocky start, with key players facing injury concerns and leadership uncertainty. Losing Pat Cummins is a significant blow, not just for his fast bowling but also for his leadership. If Hazlewood is also ruled out, Australia will be forced to make further changes, testing their depth in the pace department.
The team management now faces urgent decisions—finalizing the new captain, assessing Hazlewood’s fitness, and potentially drafting in additional pace options. With the tournament set to begin in just weeks, every decision will have a major impact on Australia’s chances in the ICC event.
As the defending World Cup champions, Australia still boasts a formidable squad, but their road to the Champions Trophy has become more complicated. The next few days will be crucial in determining how they reshape their plans for one of the most anticipated tournaments of the year.
