Pat Cummins Unlikely to Feature in ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Australia's captain Pat Cummins is expected to be "heavily unlikely" to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy set to begin on February 19, 2025. Cummins, who has been managing an ankle injury since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, was also absent from the ongoing Sri Lanka tour due to the birth of his second child. Although he managed the injury during the Test series, it has been affecting his fitness since the series ended.

Australia's head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that the fast bowler has not resumed any bowling activity and is unlikely to recover in time for the Champions Trophy. McDonald noted that they would need a new captain, as Cummins is expected to be sidelined. Furthermore, Josh Hazlewood is also struggling to regain full fitness, and McDonald mentioned they would have further clarity on Hazlewood's fitness in the coming days.

Leadership Alternatives for Australia’s ODI Squad
With Pat Cummins not available, Steve Smith and Travis Head are in contention for the ODI captaincy. McDonald revealed that the two players had been in conversations for the leadership role while the team prepared for the Champions Trophy and Sri Lanka ODIs. With significant leadership experience, both Smith and Head are among the top candidates to step into the role.

The team is set to depart for the Sri Lanka tour on Thursday, and the coaching staff hopes to have a clearer picture of the team's leadership structure before they finalize the squad. The absence of Cummins is a setback for Australia, as the ICC Champions Trophy is a significant event, and leadership decisions will be crucial for the team's performance.

Josh Hazlewood's Fitness and Australia’s Preparations
As Australia's fast bowling unit faces fitness challenges, Josh Hazlewood continues to battle to be fit in time for the Champions Trophy. McDonald emphasized the importance of having a fully fit squad as the team aims to defend its title in the prestigious tournament. The next few days will provide final clarity on Hazlewood’s fitness and the potential reshuffling of leadership duties.

With the injury concerns surrounding key players like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, the Australia cricket team is working hard to ensure the squad is ready for the challenges ahead in both the Sri Lanka ODIs and the ICC Champions Trophy.

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