Australia is looking for a new captain for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Head coach Andrew McDonald has confirmed that Cummins is “heavily unlikely” to take part in the Champions Trophy, starting on February 19. Cummins has an ankle injury; either Steve Smith or Travis Head could be in charge of Australia at the Champions Trophy.
Cummins did not join Australia on its ongoing tour of Sri Lanka because of the birth of his child; however, he also has had to cope with the injury to his ankle.
In the build-up to the Champions Trophy, Australia will play a couple of One-Day Internationals with Sri Lanka. Members of the limited-overs squad are to depart for the island nation this Thursday.
“Cummins has not been able to resume any kind of bowling, hence heavily unlikely, therefore requiring a leadership post,” McDonald told SEN. “Steve Smith and Travis Head are the options we are aiming at while building out that Champions Trophy team, with Pat at home. They will be two we must look at for that leadership role.”
“They are the two obvious ones. Steve did a fantastic job here in the [first] Test match. He has done well in one-day international cricket too. So it’s between those two.”
Cummins led Australia to a title win in the 2023 World Test Championship final he also led Australia into the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. Under him, Australia won back the Border-Gavaskar Test Trophy after the better part of a decade.
Besides Cummins, Australia has been sweating on the fitness of fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, who has picked up another injury after recovering from calf and side problems that restricted him to two Tests in the BGT.
“If we are speaking completely honed, then Patty is unlikely, which is a bit of a shame, and Josh Hazlewood has a bit of battle at the moment. We will get that medical information over the next couple of days, have a little powwow on that, and let everyone know the direction we are heading,” McDonald said.
Australia has been dealt a severe injury blow leading into the Champions Trophy with star allrounder Mitchell Marsh already ruled out with a back spasm.
Australia has been drawn up next to England, South Africa, and Afghanistan in the Group of the tournament and will start their campaign on February 22.
