The development was confirmed by head Andrew McDonald, who revealed that Pat Cummins has not been able to bowl, and his ankle issue is likely to keep him out of the marquee 50-over competition.
The Aussies have already lost star all-rounder Mitchell Marsh for the Champions Trophy. Marsh has been ruled out of the competition due to a back injury that will also keep him out of the remainder of the domestic season, with the chance of him making a direct comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Also, Josh Hazlewood is not fit and he is battling to make it on time for the 50-over competition. The premier pacer is dealing with a hip issue after recovering from the side and calf injuries that kept him out of the Tests against India and Sri Lanka.
Pat Cummins hasn't been able to resume any type of bowling so he's heavily unlikely - Andrew McDonald
He further revealed that vice-captains Steve Smith and Travis Head are battling it out to take over the captaincy in the Champions Trophy.
"Steve Smith and Travis Head are the two that we've been having conversations with while we've been building out that Champions Trophy team along with Pat back home. They'll be the two that we look at for that leadership post."
But, as I said, Patty is hugely unlikely, which is a bit of shame - Andrew McDonald
"They're the two obvious ones. Steve has done a great job here in the [first] Test match. He's done some good work in one-day international cricket across the journey as well. So it's between those two," he said.
The likes of Sean Abbott and Spencer Johnson are set to come into the ODI frame if both Cummins and Hazlewood are unable to recover for the marquee competition.
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