Cummins, Hazlewood Ruled Out? Australia's Strongest Squad For Champions Trophy

Debashis Sarangi

Cummins, Hazlewood are doubtful for Champions Trophy [Source: @zeeshan_naiyer2, @CricCrazyJohns/X]Cummins, Hazlewood are doubtful for Champions Trophy [Source: @zeeshan_naiyer2, @CricCrazyJohns/X]

Australia have suffered a huge setback, with skipper Pat Cummins sustaining an ankle injury ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy tournament. The skipper has developed a sore ankle, for which he will undergo scans, as reported by The West Australian. 

The unfortunate ankle injury has jeopardised the pacer's participation in the Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, ace speedster Josh Hazlewood is also struggling from a calf injury, which sidelined him from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The duo's absence could certainly weaken Australia's pace attack; however, they have some fine white-ball bowlers who can replace these two fast bowlers in their Champions Trophy squad. 

Marsh To Lead Australia If Cummins Misses Out

Mitchell Marsh is Australia's ODI vice-captain and it's believed that he will lead the team if Cummins misses out due to the aforementioned injury. Despite performing poorly in Tests, Marsh continues to be an asset for Australia in white-ball cricket and will likely play as an opener along with Travis Head in the Champions Trophy. 

Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith are all set to shoulder Australia's batting department, while the defending World Cup champions will likely pick several multi-dimensional players in their Champions Trophy squad. The veteran duo of Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis will be Australia's pillars down the order, with Aaron Hardie and Cooper Connolly likely to be named in the team. 

What Will Be Australia's Bowling Attack If Cummins, Hazlewood Miss Out?

Promising fast bowler Jhye Richardson could be the frontrunner to make it into the team as Hazlewood's potential replacement. He is a magnificent operator of the new ball and can be effective with his yorkers and slow balls in the slog overs. 

Sean Abbott will likely be picked as a frontline pacer with Mitchell Starc, with Adam Zampa leading the spin bowling department. As Australia have potent seam-bowling all-rounders like Marcus Stoinis and Aaron Hardie, it won't be surprising if they prefer either Mitchell Swepson or Matthew Kuhnemann over another specialist pacer to capitalise on the subcontinent's spin-friendly pitches. 

Australia's Strongest Squad For Champions Trophy (if Cummins and Hazlewood Miss Out)

Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (C), Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis (WK), Alex Carey (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Starc, Sean Abbott, Jhye Richardson, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Swepson/Matthew Kuhnemann