Australian skipper Pat Cummins and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood have been ruled out of the Champions Trophy. Both players will also miss the ODI series against Sri Lanka, which Australia will play ahead of the Champions Trophy.
The confirmation comes amid all-rounder Marcus Stoinis’ decision to call time on his ODI career effective immediately. Australia are already reeling from the absence of Mitchell Marsh, who has also been ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to a back issue.
Cummins has failed to recover from a back injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, while Josh Hazlewood has been going through a hip problem. Australia will now have to make four changes to their squad before the final date on February 12. Meanwhile, either Steve Smith or Travis Head will be leading the side at Champions Trophy.