SYDNEY, Feb 5: Pat Cummins, the captain and leading fast bowler for Australia, is “highly unlikely” to be fit for the upcoming Champions Trophy, as revealed by head coach Andrew McDonald. This situation raises the possibility of either Steve Smith or Travis Head stepping in as captain.
Cummins has been unable to return to training after missing the Test series in Sri Lanka due to the birth of his second child. He is also dealing with an ankle injury that was aggravated during the demanding five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India.
“Pat Cummins hasn’t been able to resume any type of bowling so he’s heavily unlikely. Therefore, we will need to find a captain,” McDonald told SEN Radio, according to ICC reports.
“We’ve been discussing Steve Smith and Travis Head while formulating our squad for the Champions Trophy, along with Pat (Cummins) back home. They are the primary candidates for the leadership role,” McDonald noted.
The Champions Trophy is set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE, starting February 19 in Karachi.
With Smith performing admirably as captain in the recent Test against Sri Lanka, leading the team to a significant innings and 242-run victory in Galle, he is a strong contender for the role, having held leadership positions prior to the ‘sandpaper-gate’ controversy.
Head has also been in exceptional form, contributing significantly to Australia’s 3-1 series victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
“They (Smith and Head) are the two standout options. Steve has excelled in the (first) Test against Sri Lanka and has a solid track record in one-day internationals. So, it really comes down to those two,” added McDonald.
Australia may need to make three changes to their Champions Trophy squad, with seasoned all-rounder Mitchell Marsh already ruled out due to a lower back injury, and paceman Josh Hazlewood still recovering from a side strain.
“As I mentioned, Patty (Cummins) is very unlikely, which is unfortunate. Josh Hazlewood is also working to regain full fitness. We expect to have more medical updates in the coming days to clarify our direction,” McDonald concluded.
The ICC has set February 12 as the deadline for finalizing the 15-member squads for the Champions Trophy.
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has suggested uncapped all-rounder Mitch Owen as a potential replacement for Marsh, while Sean Abbott and Spencer Johnson are also being considered as pace options. (PTI)
