Despite resting for the next tour of Sri Lanka, Australia selected Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood for its 15-man preliminary team for the Champions Trophy next month.
Currently on paternity leave, Cummins will have scans to evaluate the ankle problem he carried during Australia 3-1 victory in the Border-Gavaskar series. Hazlewood, however, has not fully recovered from the calf injury that forced him to miss the entire five-match Test series against India at home.
“This is a balanced and experienced squad with the core that has participated 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 chairman of selectors.
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“It offers a variety of options for touring management depending on opposition and the conditions that may present in Pakistan.”
Since making a triumphant comeback to the 50-overs team in September against England after previously missing out on World Cup selection, Alex Carey has retained his position, while selectors have also chosen all-rounders Aaron Hardie and Matthew Short in the squad. Because Josh Inglis is also recuperating from a calf ailment, Carey offers a backup wicketkeeping option.
After the two Test matches that begin at the end of this month, Australia will play a single One-Day International (ODI) match against Sri Lanka before traveling to Pakistan.
Australia is in Group B, which also includes Afghanistan (February 28), South Africa (February 25), and England (February 22).
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