India, Feb. 5 -- Australia's Champions Trophy campaign has suffered a major blow, with captain Pat Cummins "heavily unlikely" to feature due to an ongoing ankle issue. Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that Steven Smith and Travis Head are the frontrunners to lead the side in Cummins' absence, while fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is also in doubt as he battles fitness concerns.

"Pat Cummins hasn't been able to resume any type of bowling so he's heavily unlikely, so that would mean that we do need a captain," McDonald told SEN.

"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 leadershi...