Pat Cummins' Ankle Injury Casts Doubt on Champions Trophy Participation

Australian captain Pat Cummins is facing a race against time to be fit for the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan after suffering an ankle injury. Cummins, who missed the recent Test tour of Sri Lanka due to the impending birth of his child, is now also managing ankle pain.

Cricket Australia confirmed the injury on Thursday, but the severity and potential impact on his participation in the Champions Trophy remain unclear. "We'll have to wait and see when that scan comes back and see how it's tracking," said chief selector George Bailey. "There's a little bit of work to do. We'll probably get a bit more information around where that's at."

Cummins' absence would be a significant blow for Australia, who are aiming to win the Champions Trophy for the first time since 2009. The team has been focused on the tournament since lifting the 50-over World Cup in 2023, and Cummins' leadership and bowling prowess would be sorely missed.

In Cummins' absence, Mitch Marsh, Australia's vice-captain in the one-day format, is expected to lead the team. Marsh was not selected for the Sri Lanka Test series but is confirmed to be part of the Champions Trophy squad, which will be announced early next week.

Josh Hazlewood, who is also recovering from a calf injury, will not be part of the Sri Lanka tour and is being kept fresh for the Champions Trophy. Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Sean Abbott have been included in the Test squad for Sri Lanka, and one of them may be called upon to play a key role in the Champions Trophy depending on the team's strategy and the conditions in Pakistan.

With Cummins' participation uncertain and Hazlewood still recovering, the onus will be on the other bowlers to step up and fill the void. The Champions Trophy promises to be a highly competitive tournament, and Australia will need all hands on deck if they are to emerge victorious.