Overview

• Pat Cummins is unlikely to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy due to an ankle injury aggravated by a heavy workload during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
• Steve Smith and Travis Head are the leading candidates to captain Australia in Cummins' absence, according to coach Andrew McDonald.
• Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is also battling fitness issues, including a hip injury, with his availability for the tournament uncertain.
• All-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy with a back injury, further depleting Australia's squad.
• Sean Abbott and Spencer Johnson are potential replacements in the ODI setup, with final decisions pending medical updates in the coming days.