In a massive blow to Australia's Champions Trophy, Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from the squad due to personal reasons. Australia have named Steven Smith as the captain for their new-look CT squad, which does not have any of the frontline pacers. Besides Starc pulling out, the two-time CT Champions will also be without Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh, who are all out with injuries.
Already, Marcus Stoinis won't be available for CT as he announced retirement, and now, with Starc set to miss, Australia's bowling attack suddenly looks depleted. While Starc has asked for some privacy around his withdrawal from the CT squad, it is understood that the left-arm pacer was in some discomfort in the latter stages of the second Galle Test against Sri Lanka.
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"We understand and respect Mitch's decision," chairman 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."
Steven Smith to lead Australia in Champions Trophy, as Australia ring in changes
Sean Abbott, Bew Dwarshuis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Spencer Johnson, & Tanveer Sangha have been added to the squad outside the 15-member preliminary squad,, which was named last month. All the above-mentioned are also part of the squad for the two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. While Fraser-McGurk has been added as cover for Mitchell Marsh, the youngster is yet to make a mark in ODIs as he has averaged just 17.40 in five games.
Among the pacers, Sean Abbott is the most experienced, having featured in 26 ODIs. Spencer Johnson is the quickest among the pacers and offers a left-hand angle. Meanwhile, Tanveer Sangha will partner Adam Zampa as the second spinner in the squad.
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"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."
Australia Champions Trophy squad
Steve Smith (capt), 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
