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The Australian cricket team might have to prepare for the Champions Trophy 2025 without their captain and first fast bowler, Pat Cummins, who currently has an ankle injury. Cummins, who has led Australia to major victories in recent years, including the Trials World Championship and the ODI World Cuphe faces doubts about his participation in the upcoming tournament. The problem stems from an ankle injury that he managed throughout Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. After playing in all five Tests against India, Cummins is scheduled for scans to assess the extent of the damage.
Cricket Australia doubts Pat Cummins’ participation in the Champions Trophy
Australian selector George Bailey commented on the Cummins situation, considering that they are currently unsure whether the Aussie star will be fit for the mega event.
“I’m not sure yet. We’ll have to wait and see where the scan comes back and where the follow-up is.” Bailey said in an official statement.
This cautious outlook reflects the uncertainty surrounding Cummins’ fitness for the tournament, which starts on February 19, 2025.
Also READ: No Pat Cummins as Australia field Test squad for Sri Lanka tour; Cooper Connolly earns a maiden call
Impact on Australian cricket
Cummins’ potential absence is a major concern for Australia, not just because of his bowling but also his leadership in the field. His leadership has proven to be crucial in high-pressure situations. Also, his absence from the upcoming Test series a Sri Lanka due to paternity leave, further confusing the timeline for his recovery and return to international cricket.
The Australian pace batsman has been dealing with a number of injuries Josh Hazlewood i Mitchell Starc they also face fitness issues. Hazlewood is out of the Sri Lanka series with a calf injury, while Starc has managed to play through minor issues. This spate of injuries forces CA to reassess their strategy for the Champions Trophy, potentially relying on less experienced or recovering players.
Leadership and strategy without Cummins
In the absence of Cummins, Steve Smith has taken up the mantle of captaincy for the tour to Sri Lanka, hinting at a possible change of leadership if Cummins is sidelined for longer. The team will have to adapt, with players like Cameron Green possibly stepping up in the bowling department, alongside a potentially fit Starc.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Cummins’ readiness for the Champions Trophy. The focus is now on his rehabilitation, with CA likely to err on the side of caution regarding his return to competitive cricket. His absence would not only affect the team’s strategy but also the fans’ morale and expectations for the tournament.
