A day after a promotional video featuring Pat Cummins attempting to sledge opposition players was released, the ICC said that the Australian captain is doubtful for the Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19.

ICC said Cummins and fellow pacer Josh Hazlewood are unlikely to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

"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," Australia head coach Andrew McDonald told radio station SEN.

"Patty is hugely unlikely, which is a bit of shame, and we've also got Josh Hazlewood, who is battling (to be fit) at the moment. So that medical information will land over the next couple of days and we'll be able to shore that up and let everyone know the direction," McDonald said.

Australia will be without all-rounder Mitch Marsh, who is already sidelined with an injury. McDonald said the latest double injury blow has left them in search for a new skipper. "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 leadership post.

"They're the two obvious ones. Steve has done a great job here in the (first) Test match (against Sri Lanka). He's done some good work in one-day international cricket across the journey as well. So it's between those two," the coach said.

Pat's Coming for you?
Cummins, known for his calm demeanour on the field, is featured as a mean guy practising his sledging in front of a mirror in the Prime Video promo. With the shaving cream applied, Cummins gives a Joker vibe.

pat-cummins-slegding-ad
Pat Cummins featured in a promotional video for the ICC Champions Trophy. Photo: Screengrab/PrimeVideo

In the video, Cummins practices the lines he wants to deliver to key opponents. 'Oh Ben, I'm not Stoked about yoy' - the apparent target is all-rounder Ben Stokes. He also had a reminder for another Englishman. 'Hey Pope, you better start praying.'

To the South African opener, de Kock, he said: 'More like Quinton de Block. I'm Pat Cummin for you.' The most hilarious of the lot was the line for Indian batting ace Virat Kohli. 'Hey Kohli, I've never seen you bat this slowly,' Cummins went before repeating 'slowly' in a squeaky tone.

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