Bailey Offers Update on Cummins' Status for Champions Trophy
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Melbourne, Jan 9 (NationPress) The chairman of selectors for Australia, George Bailey, has given an update on Pat Cummins' condition, voicing apprehensions about the Australian captain's readiness for the approaching ICC Champions Trophy.
Cummins, who played in all five Tests of the recently finished Border-Gavaskar Trophy, is scheduled to have scans for an ankle problem that he has been coping with during the summer.
Currently, Cummins is not part of the upcoming tour to Sri Lanka since he is on paternity leave, as he awaits the arrival of his second child. Nevertheless, his fitness leading up to the Champions Trophy, which kicks off on February 19, is a significant concern for the Australian team.
“Pat is on paternity leave for the foreseeable future,” Bailey informed the media. “He’s dealing with a bit of a sore ankle as well. In about a week, he will have scans, and we’ll learn more about his condition.”
When asked about Cummins' likelihood of playing in the Champions Trophy, Bailey's response was measured. “Not really sure yet. We will need to wait for the scan results and see how he progresses,” he remarked.
The Australian squad is currently managing various injuries among its top fast bowlers. While Cummins played through discomfort during the Border-Gavaskar series, Mitchell Starc faced minor issues during the fourth Test but still participated in the Sydney finale.
Conversely, Josh Hazlewood’s calf injury led to his withdrawal after the Gabba Test, and he has not been selected for the Sri Lanka tour.
Despite Hazlewood's absence from the Sri Lankan series, Bailey expressed positive sentiments about his recovery. “He’s putting in a tremendous effort, and all updates on his response to the calf injury are very encouraging,” Bailey stated.
Bailey explained that Hazlewood’s omission from the Sri Lanka squad was a precautionary step to safeguard his long-term fitness. “It was likely a bit too tight for him to make this squad considering the time he’s missed. However, we are confident he will be fit and ready for the Champions Trophy,” he added.
