India, Feb. 6 -- Australia's preparations for the 2025 Champions Trophy have been dealt another significant blow with the confirmation that skipper Pat Cummins and fellow fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will not feature in the tournament. The absence of their two key bowlers places an immense challenge on the team, which already faced a setback earlier in the day with a shock ODI retirement of Marcus Stoinis.

Stoinis' decision, effective immediately, adds to the mounting pressure as Australia grapples with multiple key changes in a critical period leading up to the tournament.

Cummins' absence is particularly notable as he is the team's captain. The fast bowler has not recovered from the ankle injury that plagued him during the final stages ...