Ankle injury to Pat Cummins casts a shadow of doubt over the Champions Trophy 2025.

Pat Cummins, Australian Cricket captain is unclear if he’s going to represent his team for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy following his ankle injury incurred during the third and final test against India under the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

Injury Update and Scans

According to Cricinfo, Cummins has been ruled out of the two-Test series of Australia against Sri Lanka. He will have to undergo an ankle scan in the next couple of days. It would determine if he is going to be available for Australia’s lead position in the Champions Trophy that would take place in Pakistan and the UAE.

Australia’s chief selector, George Bailey, said that “We will have to wait for the scan report and then see where that takes us”.

Image Sources: ABC News

Recent Performance and Schedule

Cummins had a stunning performance in the recently concluded five-test series against India, taking 25 wickets in 167 overs at a strike rate of 21.36.

Australia are to begin their campaign in the Champions Trophy on 22nd February, 2025 against England. Ahead of that, they play a test series against Sri Lanka and will also play an ODI game against Lincoln Tigers on 13th February to warm up to the tournament.

Fast Bowling Unit Updates

The pace department of Australia has faced their share of troubles. Josh Hazlewood, who missed the Brisbane Test against India, is likely to make a comeback in the Champions Trophy. “Hazlewood has recovered fully and is working hard to regain his fitness,” Bailey confirmed.

Without Cummins, selectors have picked Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Shaun Abbott for the Sri Lanka tour. Interestingly, Shaun Abbott might just make his Test debut in the series.

Leader Tested under Pressure

Under Cummins’s leadership, Australia won the 2023 ODI World Cup at India. Since then, however, the side has played just two ODIs, and going into the event of huge stakes, the team’s preparedness is something that might attract a few raised eyebrows.

As Australia awaits more clarity over the fitness of Cummins, the focus on preparation and depth in their team will be immense. With important players returning, and young players coming into form, Australia looks to continue domination on the world stage.

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