In Melbourne, Australia, cricket captain Pat Cummins is unlikely to play in the ICC Champions Trophy because of an ankle injury. Coach Andrew McDonald shared that Cummins missed the recent tour to Sri Lanka to welcome his second child and has been dealing with an ankle problem. This issue started after he bowled a lot during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he took 25 wickets.
While Cummins cannot join the team, others will be flying to Sri Lanka soon for two One Day Internationals (ODIs). The coach mentioned that key bowler Josh Hazlewood is also struggling with a hip injury, making his participation uncertain.
“Pat Cummins cannot bowl yet, so we will need a new captain,” McDonald said. He pointed out that Steve Smith and Travis Head are the main candidates for leadership while they are preparing the team for the Champions Trophy.
Smith has done well in recent matches, making him a strong choice alongside Head.
Additionally, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will miss the Champions Trophy due to a back injury, but he might play for the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League. The coach is considering adding Beau Webster to the ODI squad because of his seam bowling skills.
Other all-rounders, Aaron Hardie and Marcus Stoinis, are also dealing with injuries. Hardie has just returned to bowling after being hurt for a while, while Stoinis has tightness in his hamstring from playing in another league.
With both Cummins and Hazlewood possibly out, Sean Abbott might have a chance to return to the ODI team. Spencer Johnson is also in line to travel to Sri Lanka as backup.
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