The much-anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 is just around the corner, with eight top teams from around the world gearing up for the tournament. One of the top contenders, Australia, has suffered a significant setback with the injury of ace batsman Steve Smith.
Australia’s concerns have been exacerbated by Smith’s elbow injury, which occurred during the Big Bash League. The team is scheduled to tour Sri Lanka for a 2-match Test series, and with Pat Cummins unavailable due to injury and paternity leave, Smith had been appointed captain. His injury has added to the team’s worries, especially with the Champions Trophy looming ahead.
Smith’s Injury Compounds Australia’s Worries
Smith’s long-standing elbow issue has been a concern, and his recent injury while fielding for the Sydney Sixers has raised alarm bells. Although Cricket Australia stated that he will return to the team’s training camp in Dubai this week, the uncertainty surrounding his fitness has created tension within the team.
With Cummins on paternity leave, Smith’s unavailability would open the door for Travis Head to take on the captaincy for the Test team. The team is also hopeful that left-arm spinner Matthew Kunman will be able to play a part in the tour despite undergoing surgery on a fractured right thumb. The injury has added to the team’s concerns, especially with the Champions Trophy just around the corner.
Australia’s Squad for the Sri Lanka Tour: Steve Smith (captain), Shaun Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Kontas, Matt Kuhneman, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.
Australia’s Squad for the Champions Trophy: Pat Cummins (captain), 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.