[sport] Blow for Australia as star duo ruled out of Champions Trophy 2025

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The absence of Cummins and Hazlewood rocks the Australia ranks even further, who are already without the injured Mitch Marsh and the recently retired Marcus Stoinis. Cummins has not recovered from the ankle issue that plagued him during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25, while Hazlewood has developed a hip problem following earlier hip and calf strains. While the Aussies will miss Hazlewood's pinpoint accuracy and control, Cummins' absence would mean that they will miss on his inspiring leadership, stellar bowling and handy batting. The experienced duo have a cumulative 281 scalps in ODI cricket. Cummins, Australia's ODI captain, had also led the side to their Cricket World Cup triumph in 2023. George Bailey, the national selection panel chair, gave an update on the injury situation in the Australia setup. "Unfortunately Pat, Josh and Mitch are managing some ongoing injuries and haven’t come up in time for the Champion’s Trophy," Bailey said. "While disappointing, it does present a great opportunity for other players to perform for Australia in a world event."Both Cummins and Hazlewood will require an extended period of rehabilitation before they receive the all-clear to return to play. Australia's next major international commitment after the Champions Trophy is the ICC World Test Championship Final in June. Following the two-game Test series against Sri Lanka, Australia will play a two-match ODI series in the leadup to the Champions Trophy. The two-time Champions Trophy winners are in Group B of the tournament along with England, South Africa and Afghanistan. Australia's squad for Champions Trophy: Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa*

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