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.

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has said that captain Pat Cummins and fast-bowler Josh Hazlewood are unlikely to take part in the upcoming Champions Trophy due to their respective injury issues.

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.

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.

The Aussies may have to find three new players to include in their 15-member squad for the upcoming tournament in Pakistan and UAE.

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.

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.