ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Pat Cummins likely to miss Champions Trophy, who will lead Australia?
Xtra Time Web Desk: Australia captain Pat Cummins is likely to miss Champions Trophy due to his ongoing ankle issue hence Steve Smith and Travis Head's names are coming top as possible candidates to lead the side.
Australia coach Andrew McDonald hinted that captain Pat Cummins these possibilities as he stated, "Pat Cummins hasn't been able to resume any type of bowling so he's heavily unlikely, so that would mean that we do need a captain."
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Speaking ahead, he added "Steve Smith and Travis Head are the two that we've been having conversations with while we've been building out that Champions Trophy team along with Pat back home. They'll be the two that we look at for that leadership post."
"They're the two obvious ones. Steve has done a great job here in the [first] Test match. He's done some good work in one-day international cricket across the journey as well. So it's between those two."
"But, as I said, Patty is hugely unlikely, which is a bit of shame, and we've also got Josh Hazlewood, who is battling [to be fit] at the moment. So 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."
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On the other hand, Josh Hazlewood's availability also remains uncertain who has been suffering from a hip issue after recovering from side and calf injuries that sidelined him for much of the India series and the Sri Lanka tour. Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy with a back injury and is unlikely to feature in the domestic season, though he may still play in the IPL for Lucknow Super Giants.
Australia are yet to announce replacement for Marsh. Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that Beau Webster is a candidate for the ODI squad, despite being uncapped in the format, considering him as a seam-bowling allrounder.
