Australian captain Pat Cummins may not be able to take part in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, it emerged on Wednesday.
“Pat Cummins hasn’t been able to resume any type of bowling, so he’s heavily unlikely [to play], which means we do need a captain,” Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald told radio station SEN.
McDonald further said that Josh Hazlewood is also struggling with fitness concerns, adding, “That medical information will land over the next couple of days, and we’ll be able to shore that up and let everyone know the direction.”
With Cummins’ absence, Steven Smith and Travis Head are being considered as potential replacements for the captaincy.
Australia is already dealing with setbacks, including the injury of experienced all-rounder Mitch Marsh. The potential absence of both Cummins and Hazlewood could further weaken the squad as they chase their third Champions Trophy title.
Moreover, leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha has been sent to Sri Lanka for development and may join the Australian team for two One Day Internationals against Sri Lanka before heading to the Champions Trophy.
