Pat cummins and Josh Hazlewood return for Australia ICC champions trophy campaign in Pakistan.

Pat Cummins will return to lead Australia’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next month after missing the Sri Lanka Test tour due to family commitments and a knee injury. Injured paceman Josh Hazlewood also makes a comeback after being sidelined by calf and side strains, which limited his participation in recent series against India.

Cummins had opted out of the Sri Lanka tour for the birth of his second child, while Hazlewood was included in the squad after missing much of the summer series due to injury. The squad sees the return of several experienced players who have been part of Australia’s recent successes, including the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and series wins in the UK and Pakistan.

However, opener Jake Fraser-McGurk was omitted from the squad due to his poor recent form, following his appearance in Australia’s recent one-day series against Pakistan.

Australia’s chief selector, George Bailey, emphasized that the squad is well-balanced and offers a variety of options depending on conditions in Pakistan. The eight-nation Champions Trophy will take place between February 19 and March 9, with matches being held in both Pakistan and the UAE.

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