The official name is the Tri-Nation Series, but the series, which started yesterday with Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, is essentially a preparation for the Champions Trophy. In the first match of this “preparation series,” New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra and Pakistan’s Haris Rauf both sustained injuries.
Ravindra was hit on the forehead by the ball while fielding, and Rauf had to leave the field midway through his innings due to a side strain. Both are currently under observation. With the Champions Trophy beginning on February 19, this injury setback is affecting several teams, and a few players have already been ruled out.
After the announcement of the Champions Trophy squads, South Africa’s Anrich Nortje was the first to be ruled out. The pacer was removed from the 15-member squad due to a back injury. Nortje had also been sidelined before the 2019 and 2023 ODI World Cups due to injury issues.
Pakistan will also be without their left-handed opener, Saim Ayub. Ayub had injured his ankle during the South Africa tour in December and was sent to London for quick treatment ahead of the Champions Trophy. However, Pakistan has ultimately given up hope of playing him.
Australia, as a team, is facing the biggest injury woes. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh, captain Pat Cummins, and pacer Josh Hazlewood—all key players—have been ruled out of the tournament after the squad announcement. Cricket Australia (CA) has not yet named replacements for them.
After Nortje’s injury, the South Africa Cricket Board (CSA) considered replacing him with Gerald Coetzee, and the all-rounder was included in the ongoing Tri-Nation Series. However, Coetzee also had to be ruled out from the series and Champions Trophy due to a hamstring injury.
South Africa’s concerns also include David Miller and Lungi Ngidi, although the board is hopeful they will be fit in time. New Zealand is also waiting for Lockie Ferguson, who is struggling with a hamstring injury.
In addition, there are doubts about whether India’s Jasprit Bumrah and England’s Jamie Smith will be fit for the Champions Trophy.
The following players have already been ruled out due to injuries: Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, Saim Ayub, Anrich Nortje, and Gerald Coetzee.
