Cummins, Hazlewood in Australia’s CT squad despite injury
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Sydney: Pat Cummins has been appointed captain of Australia for next month's Champions Trophy, with fellow pacer Josh Hazlewood also included in the squad, despite ongoing injury concerns surrounding both players.
Cummins has been managing an ankle injury throughout the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, which contributed to his absence from the upcoming Sri Lanka tour. Additionally, Cummins opted to remain at home to welcome his second child.
“I don't have any more details than what I shared when we announced the Test squad for Sri Lanka a few days ago,” said George Bailey, Chair of Selectors. “He’s had the scan, but I have no information on what it revealed. We want to give him some space following the Border-Gavaskar series, especially with the baby on the way. We'll work closely with Pat, the selection panel, and the medical team, but he’s very keen.”
Hazlewood, who missed the Melbourne and Sydney Tests due to a calf injury, was also left out of the Sri Lanka series but has been named in the preliminary 15-player Champions Trophy squad. Under ICC guidelines, Australia had to announce a squad by Monday but can make changes up until the tournament begins.
Australia, two-time Champions Trophy winners and the reigning ODI world champions, also included all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who was dropped for the fifth Test against India after underperforming in the earlier matches.
Bailey expressed confidence in the squad, saying, “This is a balanced and experienced squad, with the core group having been involved in the last ODI World Cup, the West Indies series, last year's successful UK tour, and the recent Pakistan home series. It offers various options for management depending on the opposition and the conditions in Pakistan."
The squad will first assemble for a one-off ODI against Sri Lanka following the Test series, before heading to Pakistan for their group-stage matches in the ICC event. Australia have been drawn in Group B alongside Afghanistan, England, and South Africa, with their round-robin matches to be played in Lahore and Rawalpindi.
The inclusion of all-rounders in the squad was a key focus, with Matthew Short and Aaron Hardie drafted in ahead of the out-of-form Jake Fraser-McGurk. Adam Zampa is the sole specialist spinner, supported by part-timers Short and Glenn Maxwell.
Pacer Nathan Ellis earned a spot in the squad after leading the Hobart Hurricanes to the Big Bash League final. There were three changes from last year's ODI World Cup squad, with David Warner retiring from international cricket, Cameron Green recovering from back surgery, and pacer Sean Abbott not considered.
Australia Squad for Champions Trophy:
Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
With PTI inputs