Australia will need to make four changes to their preliminary squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy with confirmation skipper Pat Cummins and fellow fast bowler Josh Hazlewood have been ruled out of the tournament.

Australia captain Pat Cummins was ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy along with pacer Josh Hazlewood, Cricket Australia announced on Thursday.

Australia will miss their World Cup-winning captain Pat Cummins in the marquee eight-team tournament. Australia confirmed Cummins was not able to recover in time from an ankle injury. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was also ruled out along with Marcus Stoinis and Mitchell Marsh.

MELBOURNE (Reuters) -Australia captain Pat Cummins is all but ruled out of the Champions Trophy while fellow paceman Josh Hazlewood is also a doubt for the ODI tournament, coach Andrew McDonald said on Wednesday.

Australia captain Pat Cummins is "hugely unlikely" to be fit for the Champions Trophy, leaving the world champions pondering their captaincy options.

Australia captain Pat Cummins is "heavily unlikely" for the Champions Trophy because of his ankle issue. Steven Smith and Travis Head are in the frame to captain, while Josh Hazlewood is also battling to make it on time,

In case Pat Cummins doesn't get fit in time, either Travis Head or Steve Smith is likely to lead Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.