Australia has suffered another significant setback as pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for personal reasons, leaving the squad without any experienced fast bowlers.
Earlier, Australian captain Pat Cummins and pacer Josh Hazlewood had already been ruled out of the tournament due to injuries to their ankle and hip, respectively.
Steve Smith will now lead the side in the mega-event in Cummins’ absence, while five new players have been called up to the squad, including Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Spencer Johnson, and Tanveer Sangha.
Starc, who has asked for privacy around his decision, had looked in some discomfort in the latter stages of the second Test in Galle.
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“We understand and respect Mitch’s [Mitchell Starc] decision,” chair of selectors George Bailey said. “Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia.”
“His well-documented ability to play through pain and adversity, as well as forgoing opportunities in other parts of his career to put his country first should be applauded.
“His loss is of course a blow for the Champions Trophy campaign but does provide an opportunity to someone else to make a mark on the tournament.”
Australia squad for Champions Trophy 2025
Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.
Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly.
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