Australian skipper Pat Cummins and pacer Josh Hazlewood are set to miss the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy due to injuries, further depleting Australia's already weakened squad.
With Mitchell Marsh sidelined due to a back injury and Marcus Stoinis announcing his shock retirement from ODI cricket, the team's options for pace bowling have become even more limited.
Cummins is struggling with an ankle injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while Hazlewood is dealing with a hip issue, following previous side and calf strains. Both pacers will need extended rehabilitation before they can return to action.
The news of Cummins and Hazlewood's exclusion came on the same day Stoinis announced his ODI retirement. With these absences, Australia will now need at least four replacements, including two all-rounders, to cover for the loss of balance and experience in the team. The final squad will be announced after the second Test against Sri Lanka, which is currently ongoing in Galle.
Marsh had already withdrawn from the tournament due to his back injury, which has worsened over time and impacted his workload during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, leading him to miss the final Test. He is currently undergoing rehab. As for Cummins and Hazlewood, both will need time to recover and may also miss the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL).
Looking ahead, Australia's next international commitment after the Champions Trophy will be the ICC World Test Championship final against South Africa in mid-June at Lord's.
George Bailey, chairperson of the national selection panel, said, "Unfortunately Pat, Josh and Mitch are managing some ongoing injuries and have not come up in time for the Champion's Trophy. While disappointing, it does present a great opportunity for other players to perform for Australia in a world event."
Coach Andrew McDonald has suggested Steve Smith and Travis Head as possible alternate captains for the team. Australia’s campaign opener will be a high-profile clash with arch-rivals England in Lahore on February 22, followed by matches against South Africa and Afghanistan in Rawalpindi on February 25 and 28, respectively.
Australia's preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy (yet to be finalised) includes:
Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.