Jan 13, (V7N) - Australia has announced a strong 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, featuring the return of skipper Pat Cummins and pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood.

Cummins rejoins the squad after skipping the Sri Lanka Test tour to welcome his second child and to manage a knee injury. Hazlewood also makes his comeback following calf and side injuries that sidelined him for most of the summer, limiting him to just two Tests against India.

However, opener Jake Fraser-McGurk was dropped due to poor form in the recent ODI series against Pakistan.

Chief selector George Bailey highlighted the squad’s depth and experience:
"This is a balanced and experienced squad with the core involved in the previous World Cup, the West Indies series, last year's successful UK tour, and the recent Pakistan home series. It offers a variety of options depending on opposition and conditions in Pakistan."

Australia, a two-time Champions Trophy winner, will compete in the eight-nation tournament set for February 19 to March 9, hosted in Pakistan and the UAE.

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.

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