A worsened ankle issue has fainted the hope of Pat Cummins joining not only in the ODI series against Sri Lanka but also in leading Australia in the Champions Trophy. Speaking to the SEN, Australia coach Andrew McDonald hinted that Australia is preparing Steve Smith and Travis Head in the captaincy role so that either of the two can fill Cummins' space. The ankle issue got triggered as he toiled hard in the demanding 5-match Border Gavaskar Trophy. He then missed the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka as he had to fulfill his fatherly duties for his newborn child. Meanwhile, his ankle showed no positive signs. While the non-Test members of Australia are set to fly to Sri Lanka on Thursday, Cummins' possibility to join them is blurred. To the SEN, McDonald said, "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." Read also: Chris Dehring Appointed as New CEO of Cricket West Indies Smith getting ready for leadership Steve Smith is emerging as a frontrunner for Australia's leadership role ahead of the Champions Trophy. Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed ongoing discussions with Smith and Travis Head, with Pat Cummins unlikely to participate. McDonald further said. "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. He's done some good work in one-day international cricket across the journey as well. So it's between those two. But, as I said, 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." Josh Hazlewood’s availability is uncertain due to a hip issue, while Mitchell Marsh is out with a back injury. Australia is considering Beau Webster as a replacement, with Aaron Hardie and Marcus Stoinis also managing fitness concerns. With Cummins and Marsh absent, Smith's leadership makes him a strong choice to guide the team.