Australia’s preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 have been severely disrupted, with three major blows striking the squad in a single day. Skipper Pat Cummins and pace bowler Josh Hazlewood have both been ruled out due to injuries, while all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has announced his immediate retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket.

Cummins and Hazlewood Out Due to Injuries

Australian captain Pat Cummins has been unable to recover from an ankle injury in time for the tournament, ruling him out of the marquee event. Meanwhile, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has also been sidelined due to injury concerns, requiring more time for rehabilitation.

Australia’s chief selector, George Bailey, confirmed the unfortunate news, stating, “It’s disappointing that Cummins, Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh are all dealing with injuries. Unfortunately, they won’t be fully fit before the Champions Trophy.”

Marcus Stoinis Announces ODI Retirement

In another major development, star all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has decided to retire from ODI cricket, further shaking up Australia’s squad plans. His departure marks the end of a significant era, as he played a crucial role in Australia’s white-ball cricket setup.

Four Changes in Australia’s Champions Trophy Squad

With these developments, Australia has been forced to make four changes to its preliminary squad. The final squad selection will be announced after the conclusion of their Test series against Sri Lanka.

What’s Next for Australia?

With several key players missing, Australia faces a challenging road ahead. The team management will now have to rethink its strategy and find capable replacements to maintain their competitive edge in the Champions Trophy