MELBOURNE, Jan 13, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Pat Cummins returns for Australia's ICC 
Champions Trophy campaign in Pakistan next month after skipping their Sri 
Lanka Test tour, with injured paceman Josh Hazlewood also in the squad 
announced Monday.

Australian captain Cummins opted out of the Sri Lanka series starting later 
this month for the birth of his second child. He is also reportedly carrying 
a knee injury.

Hazlewood was included in the two-time tournament winners' preliminary 15-man 
line-up after calf and side strains restricted him to just two Tests against 
India over the summer.

While they return, opener Jake Fraser-McGurk was dumped, paying the price for 
his poor recent form after opening for Australia during their most-recent 
one-day series against Pakistan.

"This is a balanced and experienced squad with the core having been involved 
in the previous one-day World Cup, the West Indies series, last year's 
successful tour of the UK and the more recent Pakistan home series," said 
chief selector George Bailey.

"It offers a variety of options for touring management depending on 
opposition and the conditions that may present in Pakistan."

The eight-nation Champions Trophy, between February 19 and March 9, will be 
played in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.

Australia squad: Pat Cummins (capt), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, 
Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, 
Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam 
Zampa