Major setback for Australia as key fast bowlers ruled out of Champions Trophy 2025

Australia’s preparations for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 have suffered a significant setback, with skipper Pat Cummins and key pacer Josh Hazlewood ruled out due to injuries.

Their absence further depletes an already weakened Australian squad, which is also missing injured all-rounder Mitch Marsh and recently retired Marcus Stoinis.

Cummins, Australia’s ODI captain, has not recovered from the ankle injury he sustained during the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while Hazlewood is sidelined with a hip issue that developed following previous hip and calf injuries.

Losing Hazlewood’s precision and control is a blow, but Cummins’ absence is even more impactful, depriving Australia of his leadership, bowling prowess, and valuable lower-order batting. The duo has a combined 281 ODI wickets, and Cummins notably led Australia to their 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup triumph.

George Bailey, chairman of Australia’s selection panel, confirmed the news, stating, “Unfortunately, Pat, Josh, and Mitch are still managing injuries and haven’t recovered in time for the Champions Trophy.”

“While disappointing, this opens the door for other players to step up and perform on the big stage,” he added.

Both Cummins and Hazlewood will undergo extended rehabilitation before returning to action. Australia’s next major assignment after the Champions Trophy will be the ICC World Test Championship Final in June.

With Marsh, Stoinis, Cummins, and Hazlewood all unavailable, Australia is yet to announce their replacements and new captain. Before the tournament, they will play a two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Australia, two-time Champions Trophy winners, are placed in Group B alongside England, South Africa, and Afghanistan.

Australia’s updated Champions Trophy 2025 squad:
Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.

Four replacements and the new captain will be named soon.