Due to an ankle injury and the birth of his second child, Cummins has been not selected for the ongoing Australia's two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.

In a big blow for Australian cricket team, coach Andrew McDonald has revealed that captain Pat Cummins is ‘hugely unlikely’ to play in the Champions Trophy 2025 as he recovers from an ankle issue. Australian can be captained by Steve Smith or Travis Head.

"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," ICC quoted McDonald as saying on SEN Radio. "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 (Cummins) back home.

Moreover, the Aussies could also miss the services of 34-year-old pacer Josh Hazlewood for the Champions Trophy 2025. Hazlewood has reportedly suffered a hip injury after recovering from side and calf injuries that forced him to miss three out of the five Tests against India and the Test series against Sri Lanka.

Pat Cummins unlikely for Champions Trophy, Steve Smith or Travis Head may lead Australia, squad changes expected.

Australia captain Pat Cummins is "heavily unlikely" for the Champions Trophy because of his ankle issue. Steven Smith and Travis Head are in the frame to captain, while Josh Hazlewood is also battling to make it on time,

Australia may be without their ODI captain Pat Cummins at the Champions Trophy, with the bowler still nursing an ankle issue.