War against Nature seems to take a heavy toll on Australia ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. Very badly for Men in Yellow ahead of the marquee event, skipper Pat Cummins has been confirmed to be out from the tournament.
Besides, ace pacer Josh Hazlewood will also not be available. The announcement of Stoinis’s retirement from ODI cricket came in on the same day that he announced his retirement from several weeks after being announced in Australia’s preliminary squad for the CT 2025.
Cummins pulled out due to a slow recovery from ankle injury sustained in the latter part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, while Hazlewood developed some hip issues after recovering from prior hip and calf strains.
Besides, Stoinis, Hazlewood, and Cummins, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has already withdrawn with his back injury worsening in rehabilitation. Chair of the National Selection Panel George Bailey explained to the media the circumstances of the withdrawals ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025.
Put simply, these injuries mean that Pat, Josh, and Mitch are all sadly missing out on the Champions Trophy. As disappointing as it is, it provides a great opportunity for others to make a showing for Australia in a world event, Bailey was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
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Cummins and Hazlewood will both need extended rehabilitation before being cleared to play. In addition, both players’ participation in the IPL will now be in doubt.
Andrew McDonald, the head coach of Australia, suggested that either Steve Smith or Travis Head could fill in for Cummins as captain for the tournament. The Men in Yellow will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against England on February 22.
