According to reports, Pat Cummins was doubtful for the Champions Trophy because of an injury, but he does return for the ICC event.
Josh Hazlewood, an injured pacer, was also named in the team on Monday. Pat Cummins, who missed Australia’s Test tour of Sri Lanka, will return for the ICC Champions Trophy campaign in Pakistan next month. Because his second child was born later this month, Australian captain Cummins chose to skip the Sri Lanka series. It is also said that he has a knee injury. The two-time event winners’ preliminary 15-man lineup featured Hazlewood after he was limited to just two Test matches against India throughout the summer due to calf and side issues.
Jake Fraser-McGurk, the opener for Australia in their most recent one-day series against Pakistan, was dropped as they return, paying the price for his recent poor play.
“This is a balanced and experienced squad with the core having been involved in the previous one-day World Cup, the West Indies series, last year’s successful tour of the UK and the more recent Pakistan home series,” said George Bailey, the senior selector.
“It offers a variety of options for touring management depending on opposition and the conditions that may present in Pakistan.”
Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates will host the eight-nation Champions Trophy from February 19 to March 9.
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (capt), 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
