MELBOURNE (Reuters) -Australia captain Pat Cummins is all but ruled out of the Champions Trophy while fellow paceman Josh Hazlewood is also a doubt for the ODI tournament, coach Andrew McDonald said on Wednesday.

Steve Smith could remain in the hot seat as Australian captain with Pat Cummins "hugely unlikely" to play in the Champions Trophy.

"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.

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 captain Pat Cummins is "hugely unlikely" for the Champions Trophy because of injury while fellow paceman Josh Hazlewood is also a doubt, coach Andrew McDonald said Wednesday. "Pat Cummins hasn't been able to resume any type of bowling so he's heavily unlikely,

Steve Smith could remain in the hot seat as Australian captain with Pat Cummins "hugely unlikely" to play in the Champions Trophy.

Australia's talismanic Test and ODI captain might have to cheer for his nation from the sidelines during the impending Champions Trophy 2025. Head coach Andrew McDonald said that Cummins is highly unlikely to play in the global event which begins on February 19.