PAT CUMMINS has been named as Australia’s captain for next month’s Champions Trophy, but question marks linger over the pace bowler’s fitness.

Cummins had been left out of his country’s tour of Sri Lanka due to paternity leave but is also managing an ankle injury.

Cricket Australia is still awaiting updates on his likely availability but have opted to name the 31-year-old in their provisional 15-man squad, with replacements still possible up to a week before the start of the tournament.

Australia are England’s first opponents in Pakistan, with the pair kicking off their campaigns in Lahore on February 22.