Australia’s coach Andrew McDonald and captain Pat Cummins at a follow session, Melbourne, December 24, 2024. — AFP
Australia captain Pat Cummins is all however dominated out of the Champions Trophy whereas fellow paceman Josh Hazlewood can also be a doubt for the ODI event, coach Andrew McDonald stated on Wednesday.
Cummins missed the Take a look at tour of Sri Lanka because of the beginning of his second youngster however has been troubled by an ankle damage that flared up after the Take a look at collection win over India originally of final month.
“Pat Cummins hasn’t been able to resume any type of bowling so he’s heavily unlikely,” McDonald instructed Australian radio station SEN.
“So that would mean that we do need a captain. 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.”
Hazlewood missed three of the 5 India Checks and the Sri Lanka tour with aspect and calf accidents.
McDonald stated he was battling to be match and a choice could be made as soon as medical info landed in coming days.
All-rounder Mitchell Marsh has already been dominated out of the Champions Trophy with a again damage.
The event begins on February 19 and is being co-hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
A crew spokesperson earlier confirmed Sam Konstas had been launched from Australia’s squad forward of the second Take a look at in Sri Lanka and can return residence to play for New South Wales of their Sheffield Protect match towards Queensland in Brisbane.
Nineteen-year-old Konstas, who scored a swashbuckling 60 on his Take a look at debut towards India on the Melbourne Cricket Floor on Boxing Day, was dropped for the series-opener towards Sri Lanka in Galle.
Head moved up from the center order to interchange Konstas and scored 57 in Australia’s innings and 242-run win.
“Konstas has been released from the Australian squad to play his first match at the Gabba and gain further experience at the venue,” a crew spokesperson stated on Wednesday.
The Gabba will host the second Ashes Take a look at towards England in December.
Head stated he anticipated Konstas would return to the Take a look at squad for the World Take a look at Championship closing towards South Africa at Lord’s in June.
“Most likely I’ll go back in the middle order and Sam will open,” Head instructed Australian media in Galle.
Australia will look to brush Sri Lanka 2-0 with victory within the second Take a look at in Galle beginning on Thursday.
