Australia’s preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 have been significantly impacted by the withdrawal of four key players. Below are the details of each player’s unavailability:
1. Marcus Stoinis Announces Immediate Retirement from ODIs
Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has retired from One Day International (ODI) cricket to focus on T20 formats. This decision rules him out of the upcoming Champions Trophy. Stoinis expressed gratitude for representing Australia and stated that it was the right time to concentrate on the next phase of his career.
2. Mitchell Marsh Ruled Out Due to Back Injury
All-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been sidelined from the Champions Trophy because of ongoing lower back pain. Cricket Australia announced that the injury has not responded sufficiently to rehabilitation, leading to his withdrawal from the tournament with a much needed replacement required.
3. Pat Cummins Withdraws Over Ankle Issue
Captain Pat Cummins will miss the Champions Trophy as he continues to manage an ankle injury that troubled him during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25. The injury has not healed in time for the tournament, necessitating his withdrawal. This will be a big blow for Australian team as Pat Cummins was in great form recently.
4. Josh Hazlewood Out with Hip Problem
Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood,famous for his pace and ability to taking wickets when needed, has been ruled out due to a hip problem, following earlier hip and calf strains. The recurrence of these issues has prevented his participation in the Champions Trophy2025.
These absences pose significant challenges for Australia’s squad composition and leadership as they approach the tournament.