After Cummins and Hazlewood, Starc Withdraws; Smith to Captain Australia
Australia’s squad for the Champions Trophy took another blow after Mitchell Starc pulled out at the last moment due to personal reasons, following injuries to Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. This withdrawal leaves the team without any of their World Cup-winning pace trio, leaving only leg-spinner Adam Zampa from their preferred bowling attack.
Steven Smith will step in as captain in Cummins’ absence. Smith recently led Australia to a 2-0 series win over Sri Lanka, and his last captaincy in a global tournament was during the 2017 Champions Trophy.
The details behind Starc’s personal reasons remain confidential, as requested by the player, but Chief Selector George Bailey expressed no doubts about Starc’s dedication to the national team, recalling the times Starc has played through injuries and challenges. Bailey also acknowledged that Starc has often prioritized national duty over lucrative IPL offers, respecting his decision.
With Starc’s exit, Australia’s squad underwent five changes. Mitchell Marsh had already been ruled out due to injury, while Marcus Stoinis announced his retirement unexpectedly. Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has only played five ODIs, replaces Marsh. Though not in top form in the Big Bash, Fraser-McGurk impressed with a 95-run knock in the last match.
Shane Abbott replaces Starc in the pace attack. Abbott, a regular in limited-overs squads, has played 26 ODIs. Ben Dwarshuis takes Hazlewood’s place, despite having played only one ODI last year. With Starc absent, Spencer Johnson, another left-arm pacer, has a chance, having played just two ODIs so far.
To replace Stoinis, the selectors opted for leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha, who was part of the squad during Australia’s recent Test series in Sri Lanka and has played two ODIs.
With Marsh and Stoinis out, the squad has fewer pace-bowling all-rounders, with Aaron Hardy the only remaining option. However, Abbott can contribute with the bat as well. Spinner Glenn Maxwell, along with Matthew Short and Travis Head, will form the batting core.
The reserve player, Cooper Connolly, will also travel with the team as an all-rounder.
Australia’s opening Champions Trophy match is on February 22 against England, followed by games against South Africa on February 25 and Afghanistan on February 28.
Australia Squad: Steven Smith (Captain), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardy, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.
