After their dominant 3-1 victory against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Australia is gearing up for a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. While the series holds limited significance, given that the Aussies have already secured a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final, it offers an opportunity for players to refine their form. However, the team will be without their skipper, Pat Cummins, who is sidelined due to ankle soreness and paternity leave.
Cummins, who recently welcomed his second child, had always been doubtful for the Sri Lanka series. Australia’s chief selector, George Bailey, confirmed the pacer’s decision to remain on paternity leave while also providing updates on his fitness concerns.
“Pat’s obviously on paternity leave for the next little bit. There’s a little bit of work to do. He’s got a sore ankle as well, so I think in the next week or so, he’s got a scan coming, and we’ll get a bit more information around where that’s at,” George Bailey revealed.
ALSO READ: Mohammed Shami Eyes Comeback For India’s England Series
The uncertainty surrounding Cummins’ fitness has cast doubts not only on his participation in the Sri Lanka series but also on the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin on February 19. When asked about Cummins’ availability for the marquee tournament, Bailey was non-committal, saying they would wait for scan results before making any decisions.
Pat Cummins played through a significant portion of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series with discomfort in his ankle and is in doubt for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
DETAILS: https://t.co/QwiqEV7dm7 pic.twitter.com/78Nh3vk86L
— CODE Cricket (@codecricketau) January 9, 2025
In addition to Cummins, Australia is also monitoring the recovery of Josh Hazlewood, who has been sidelined due to a calf injury. Bailey provided a positive update on Hazlewood’s progress, noting that the pacer is responding well to rehabilitation.
“He’s working really hard, and all the news on how he’s responding to the calf injury is coming along really well. It was just probably a little bit tight for this squad, given the amount of time he would’ve missed,” George Bailey explained.
ALSO READ: Brad Haddin Reflects On Ashwin’s Retirement: Frustration or Farewell On His Own Terms?
George Bailey expressed confidence that Hazlewood would be fit and ready for the Champions Trophy. As Australia juggles player availability and fitness concerns, their focus will remain on maintaining momentum ahead of the WTC final and Champions Trophy. For now, the Sri Lanka series presents an opportunity for emerging players to step up and make their mark in Test cricket.
