Massive blow to Australia ahead of Champions Trophy, after Pat Cummins this superstar gives team major injury scare

Australian Team has dealt a big blow ahead of their two-match series against Sri Lanka and Champions Trophy. Stand-in captain Steve Smith may be forced to miss the tour after sustaining an elbow injury during the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-2025 match.

Steve Smith gives Australia massive injury scare

Smith injured his right arm while fielding for the Sydney Sixers in their washed-out match against the Sydney Thunder. This latest injury underscores a recurring issue with his elbow, raising concerns about his availability for the Sri Lankan series and if it persists his Champions Trophy’s availability might also be doubtful. Smith was appointed as captain for this tour in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins, who is expecting his second child with his wife Becky. Smith’s injury might also trouble Australia ahead of Champions Trophy.

Steve Smith’s injury appears serious. He experienced significant pain and did not travel with the Australian team to their pre-series training camp in Dubai. Smith will consult with a specialist before deciding whether he can join the tour.

Cricket Australia remains hopeful that Smith will recover in time to join the team later this week. However, if he is unable to travel, Australia will be without both their regular captain, Pat Cummins, and his designated replacement.

If Smith is ruled out of the series, Travis Head is the likely candidate to lead the team. Head has been a key member of the leadership group for some time and serves as the team’s vice-captain alongside Smith.

The upcoming Test series between Australia and Sri Lanka will consist of two matches, both to be played in Galle, commencing on January 29th. Following the Test series, the two teams will engage in a two-match ODI series starting on February 12th. The Australian team is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka on January 24th.

The Australian cricket team is also closely monitoring the fitness of left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann. He recently underwent surgery on a fractured right thumb sustained during a match against the Hobart Hurricanes. Despite this setback, Cricket Australia remains hopeful that Kuhnemann will be able to contribute to the team during the tour.

“He will remain in Australia while the surgical wound heals further. He is planning to resume bowling this week with a view to joining the squad in Sri Lanka if he continues to progress well,” Cricket Australia’s statement read.

Cricket Australia issued a statement regarding Pat Cummins’ injury. The statement revealed that Cummins will seek specialized rehabilitation advice this week. The board emphasized that they will closely monitor his recovery progress leading up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

“He will seek specialist rehabilitation advice this week and is likely to require a period of physical preparation and recovery. The [national selection panel] will continue to monitor Cummins’ recovery leading into the Champions Trophy,” CA’s statement further read.

Australia’s squad for Sri Lanka tour:

Steve Smith (captain), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.

Australia Squad for Champions Trophy 2025:

Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

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