Cummins ‘closely unlikely’ for Champions Trophy: Head coach McDonald

Australian skipper Pat Cummins. File
| Photograph Credit score: Getty Photos
Australia captain and tempo spearhead Pat Cummins is “closely unlikely” to be slot in time for this month’s Champions Trophy, head coach Andrew McDonald has revealed, opening up the opportunity of both Steve Smith or Travis Head main the facet.

Cummins hasn’t been in a position to resume coaching after he missed the Take a look at collection in Sri Lanka as a result of beginning of his second little one, whereas additionally nursing an ankle drawback, which flared up through the gruelling five-Take a look at Border-Gavaskar Trophy in opposition to India.
“Pat Cummins hasn’t been in a position to resume any sort of bowling so he is closely unlikely, so that may imply that we do want a captain,” ICC quoted McDonald as saying on SEN Radio.
“Steve Smith and Travis Head are the 2 that we have been having conversations with whereas we have been constructing out that Champions Trophy staff together with Pat (Cummins) again residence. They will be the 2 that we have a look at for that management put up,” added McDonald.
The Champions Trophy might be held in Pakistan and UAE starting February 19 in Karachi.
With Smith doing a commendable job within the first Take a look at in opposition to Sri Lanka, main the guests to an enormous innings and 242-run win at Galle lately, the onus may seemingly fall on him as he has served in management roles for a really very long time earlier than the ‘sandpaper-gate’ scandal broke out.
Head too has been in chic type, taking part in a pivotal function in Australia’s 3-1 collection win within the Border-Gavaskar Trophy lately.
“They’re (Smith and Head) the 2 apparent ones. Steve has accomplished a fantastic job right here within the (first) Take a look at match (in opposition to Sri Lanka). He is accomplished some good work in one-day worldwide cricket throughout the journey as nicely. So it is between these two,” mentioned McDonald.
Australia might be compelled to make three modifications to the Champions Trophy squad as skilled all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has already been dominated out as a consequence of a decrease again harm, whereas pacer Josh Hazlewood too has not absolutely recovered from a facet pressure.
“As I mentioned, Patty (Cummins) is massively unlikely, which is a little bit of disgrace, and we have additionally obtained Josh Hazlewood, who’s battling (to be match) in the meanwhile. In order that medical data will land over the subsequent couple of days and we’ll be capable to shore that up and let everybody know the course,” added McDonald.
The ICC has set February 12 because the deadline to submit the ultimate squads of 15 for the Champions Trophy.
Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting lately proposed the identify of uncapped all-rounder Mitch Owen too refill for Marsh, whereas Sean Abbott and Spencer Johnson are different tempo choices which can be thought-about.
Printed – February 05, 2025 11:51 am IST