Key Australian player set to miss Champions Trophy

Australia has faced a major setback with the loss of a key player ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Australian chief selector George Bailey revealed that captain Pat Cummins suffered an ankle injury during the fifth Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy despite being scanned after the match.

In a press conference, Bailey confirmed, "Cummins is currently on parental leave but did not provide a definitive answer on whether he will be part of the Champions Trophy squad."

Cummins missed the first Test of the series as he and his wife welcomed their second child. His injury has now raised doubts about his inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad.

Meanwhile, Pakistan cricket team opener Saim Ayub has been ruled out for six weeks after sustaining a right ankle fracture while fielding on the first day of the Cape Town Test against South Africa on January 3.