Australia‘s campaign for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been significantly impacted by the confirmed absence of key players Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. These injuries, combined with Mitchell Marsh‘s ongoing back issues and Marcus Stoinis‘ ODI retirement, necessitate strategic replacements to maintain the team’s competitiveness. With the tournament fast approaching, the selection panel faces the daunting task of finding suitable players to fill the void.
Pat Cummins-Josh Hazlewood void: Understanding the impact
Cummins’ absence is a major setback, as he is the team’s captain and a leading bowler. His ankle injury, sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, has not healed in time for the Champions Trophy. Similarly, Hazlewood’s unavailability due to a hip injury further weakens the team’s bowling attack. The absence of these experienced players presents a significant challenge for Australia.
5 key replacements for Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood in Champions Trophy 2025
- Aaron Hardie
- Role:Â All-rounder
- Why he is a fit: Aaron Hardie offers a valuable mix of batting and bowling skills, making him a strong contender to fill the void left by the injured players. Hardie’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball provides flexibility and depth to the team. His right-arm medium-fast bowling can provide crucial breakthroughs, while his aggressive batting style can inject momentum into the innings.
Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025: 3 players who can replace Marcus Stoinis in Australia’s squad
- Cooper Connolly
- Role:Â All-rounder
- Why he is a fit: Cooper Connolly is a promising young talent who has shown great potential in domestic cricket. As a left-handed batter and a spin bowler, Connolly brings a unique dimension to the team. His ability to accelerate the scoring rate and play fearless cricket makes him an intriguing option for the Champions Trophy. Connolly’s versatility could prove useful in varying match conditions.
- Sean Abbott
- Role:Â All-rounder
- Why he is a fit: Sean Abbott is an experienced all-rounder who has been a consistent performer in Australia’s white-ball setup. Known for his pace and ability to generate swing, Abbott has also developed into a reliable lower-order batter. His performances in the Big Bash League (BBL) have highlighted his ability to contribute under pressure, making him a dependable option for the team. Abbott’s experience in major international tournaments could be a decisive factor in his selection.
- Jhye Richardson
- Role:Â Fast Bowler
- Why he is a fit: Jhye Richardson is a talented fast bowler known for his pace and aggressive approach. With Cummins and Hazlewood out, Richardson has an opportunity to step up and lead the bowling attack. His ability to bowl consistently at high speeds and his knack for taking wickets make him a valuable asset in any format of the game.
- Ben Dwarshuis
- Role:Â Fast Bowler
- Why he is a fit:Â Ben Dwarshuis is a left-arm fast bowler who can provide a different angle of attack. His ability to swing the ball and his variations in pace make him a tricky customer for the batters. Dwarshuis has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, and his inclusion in the squad would add depth and variety to the bowling attack.