Pat Cummins 'heavily unlikely' for Champions Trophy due to injury
What's the story
Australia's cricket team captain Pat Cummins has been dealt a massive blow with an ankle problem.
Meanwhile, the injury has left his participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy highly doubtful.
Coach Andrew McDonald revealed Steven Smith and Travis Head are in the running to replace the captaincy role.
Additionally, McDonald also revealed Josh Hazlewood is battling fitness issues ahead of the tournament.
Here's more.
Injury details
Cummins's ankle issue worsens after Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Cummins's ankle issue has flared up after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which caused him to miss the Test tour of Sri Lanka.
Initially, his absence was due to the birth of his second child. However, now it's evident that his persistent ankle issue was a major factor in this decision.
Meanwhile, the Australian ODI players (not part of the Test squad) will leave for Sri Lanka on Thursday, but McDonald confirmed Cummins is unlikely to join them due to his injury.
Captaincy contenders
Smith and Head in line for captaincy
"Pat Cummins hasn't been able to resume any type of bowling so he's heavily unlikely, so that would mean that we do need a captain, McDonald said SEN.
He added, "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 along with Pat back home."
Meanwhile, this assures that both players are strong contenders for the role in Cummins's absence.
Player updates
Hazlewood's fitness and Marsh's exclusion from Champions Trophy
Hazlewood is now facing a hip issue after recovering from side and calf injuries that sidelined him for three of the five Tests against India.
Meanwhile, Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to a back injury.
McDonald confirmed that Beau Webster may join the squad as Marsh's replacement, despite never having played an ODI for Australia.
This decision comes amid injury concerns for Aaron Hardie and Marcus Stoinis, who are already part of the squad.
Potential replacements
Abbott and Johnson may get ODI opportunity
Given his recent form, the likely absence of Cummins and Hazlewood could open the door for Sean Abbott's return to the ODI squad.
However, Spencer Johnson is also in the mix as a possible addition to the team.
Meanwhile, legspinner Tanveer Sangha, who has been flown to Sri Lanka for development, could play two ODIs in Colombo before the team departs for the Champions Trophy.
Squad
A look at Australia's likely squad after Cummins' absence
Australia Squad: Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
Possible additions: Beau Webster, Sean Abbott.
Stats
Cummins' ODI numbers in brief
Across 90 ODIs, the pacer has bagged 143 wickets at an average of 28.78.
According to ESPNcricinfo, he also boasts an economy rate of 5.27, alongside six four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul.
Meanwhile, his best bowling figures are worth 5/70, which he managed against India in 2019.
Additionally, in the Champions Trophy, Cummins has featured in three matches (2017). He has picked up two scalps at an average of 72.