Melbourne [Australia], February 12: Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from Australia’s ICC Champions Trophy squad, citing personal reasons. This development comes as Australia already grapples with the absence of key players due to injuries, including Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh. Starc’s departure further depletes the team’s frontline pace attack ahead of the tournament, which is set to begin on February 19 in Pakistan and the UAE.
Starc, who has asked for privacy regarding his decision, had shown signs of discomfort during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. His withdrawal is a significant blow to Australia’s hopes in the Champions Trophy, but George Bailey, the chair of selectors, expressed understanding and respect for Starc’s decision. “Mitch’s ability to play through pain and adversity should be applauded,” Bailey said. “His loss is a blow, but it provides an opportunity for someone else to step up.”
In Starc’s absence, Steve Smith will assume the role of captain for the tournament, following the injuries to Cummins and Marsh. Smith, who led Australia to a 2-0 Test series victory in Sri Lanka, will look to guide the team through the Champions Trophy.
To address the gaps left by the injuries, Australia has brought in Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Spencer Johnson, and Tanveer Sangha. Additionally, Cooper Connolly will travel as a reserve player.
Fraser-McGurk, though with a modest ODI average of 17.40 from five matches, impressed in the Big Bash League (BBL) with a 95 off 46 balls for the Melbourne Renegades and will add depth to the top order. Spencer Johnson, a left-arm pacer, is expected to serve as a like-for-like replacement for Starc, even though he has not yet taken a wicket in his two ODI appearances. Tanveer Sangha, the leg-spinner, will partner with Adam Zampa as the team’s second frontline spinner.
Bailey acknowledged that the squad had undergone significant changes due to injuries and the retirement of Marcus Stoinis, but noted the benefit of having players with recent international experience. “A strong core of our experienced players will provide a strong foundation,” he said, highlighting the team’s ability to adapt to various conditions and opposition throughout the tournament.
Australia will fine-tune their preparations with two ODIs against Sri Lanka in Colombo on February 12 and 14, before opening their Champions Trophy campaign against England on February 22. The team will also face South Africa on February 25 and Afghanistan on February 28.
Australia Champions Trophy Squad:
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