New Delhi: Premier pacer Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from the Champions Trophy due to personal reasons, making him the fifth Australian player to miss the ICC event that begins on February 19.
Pacers Pat Cummins (ankle injury), Josh Hazlewood (hip) and all-rounders Mitch Marsh (back), Marcus Stoinis (retired) had already been declared as Australia were left to scramble for replacements.
Steve Smith was named skipper of their 15-member squad for the eight-team event in which Australia were forced to name five new players in Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Spencer Johnson and Tanveer Sangha.
The exact reason for Starc’s absence wasn’t disclosed by Cricket Australia. But chief selector George Bailey said they backed the left-arm pacer for withdrawal.
“We understand and respect Mitch’s decision. Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia,” Bailey said, as quoted by the ICC.
“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.”
Depleted squad
In the absence of Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood, the trio who helped Australia win the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, fellow pacers Aaron Hardie, Nathan Ellis, Abbott, Dwarshuis and Spencer Johnson have an opportunity to make a mark.
Australia’s bowling attack will also have to rely on Glenn Maxwell’s part-time spin alongside first-choice leg spinner Adam Zampa. Australia are clubbed with England, Afghanistan and South Africa in Group B.
“The squad has changed significantly over the past month on the back of some untimely injuries and the retirement of Marcus Stoinis,” Bailey said.
“The upside of that is that we have been able to call on players who have had international exposure and success over the past 12 months.
“A strong core of some our most experienced players will provide a strong foundation in our attempt to win this edition of the Champions Trophy.
“We have a range of options to shape the playing XI within the tournament depending on the opposition and conditions we face.”
Australia’s 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. Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly.
Australia didn’t disclose the exact reason for Mitchell Starc’s absence as the pacer became their fifth first-choice player to pull out from the Champions Trophy Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
