Sun Jan 19 16:08:25 UTC 2025: ## Injury Crisis Hits Australia Ahead of Champions Trophy
**Colombo, Sri Lanka – January 19, 2025** – Australia’s preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy, starting February 22nd in Lahore against England, have been severely hampered by a string of injuries within their squad. The latest blow comes in the form of a potential absence of captain Steve Smith, who is nursing an elbow injury sustained during the Big Bash League.
Smith, who stepped in as captain after Pat Cummins suffered a shin injury, is now facing a race against time to be fit for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, which includes two Tests and two ODIs starting January 29th. The injury is a concern, given Smith’s history of elbow problems, requiring surgery in 2019. Cricket Australia has announced that Smith is seeking specialist advice and hopes to depart for Sri Lanka later this week.
Should Smith be unable to participate in the Test series, Travis Head is poised to make his debut as Test captain. Adding to Australia’s woes, left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann recently underwent surgery for a fractured right thumb, raising questions about his availability for the tour.
The injury crisis throws a major wrench into Australia’s plans for the Champions Trophy, a tournament they were hoping to launch with momentum from a successful Sri Lanka tour. The first Test against Sri Lanka begins in Galle on January 29th, followed by the second Test on February 6th and two ODIs in Colombo on February 12th and 14th. The team’s ability to overcome these setbacks will be a key factor in their Champions Trophy campaign.
First Piper 