Australia has suffered a major setback ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, with star pacer Mitchell Starc withdrawing for personal reasons. His absence, along with injuries to Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh, leaves Australia without their entire World Cup-winning frontline pace attack for the tournament, set to begin on February 19 in Pakistan and the UAE.
Chair of selectors George Bailey expressed full support for Starc’s decision, praising his dedication to Australian cricket. In his absence, left-arm quick Spencer Johnson has been added as a potential like-for-like replacement, though he is yet to take a wicket in ODIs.
Smith Takes Charge as Australia Overhauls Squad
With Cummins and Marsh unavailable, Steven Smith will captain the side, having recently led Australia to a 2-0 Test series victory against Sri Lanka.
Australia has made several additions to the squad, including Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Spencer Johnson, and leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha. Marcus Stoinis’ retirement and Marsh’s injury have also led to Fraser-McGurk’s inclusion as a top-order option.
Bailey acknowledged the challenges of multiple squad changes but emphasized the team’s depth and experience. Australia will fine-tune their preparations with two ODIs against Sri Lanka before their Champions Trophy opener against England on February 22.
Australia’s Final Champions Trophy Squad
- Captain: Steven Smith
- Players: 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
- Traveling Reserve: Cooper Connolly