Champions Trophy 2025: Mitchell Starc withdraws, Steve Smith to lead Australia
"We understand and respect Mitch's decision. Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and his priority on performing for Australia," George Bailey said.
Australia’s desire to lift their third ICC Champions Trophy has suffered a significant blow as ace fast bowler Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from the tournament for personal reasons. The decision was confirmed by Cricket Australia, which means Australia will field an entirely new-look pace attack, with Steve Smith taking over as captain.
The Australian squad for the upcoming competition has already undergone multiple changes due to injuries and retirements. Captain Pat Cummins (ankle), Josh Hazlewood, and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh (back) are all unavailable due to injuries, while Marcus Stoinis' sudden retirement from ODI cricket last week further hampered the team’s depth. With Starc now withdrawing, the former champions are left without any of its frontline pacers from the 2023 World Cup-winning squad.
Starc, who was the only fast bowler to play all Tests against India and Sri Lanka this summer, had shown indications of discomfort in the second Test in Galle, where he bowled just four overs in Sri Lanka’s second innings. He has requested privacy regarding his decision and will not make further comments on the matter.
"We understand and respect Mitch's decision. Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and his priority 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," George Bailey said in a statement as per cricket.com.au.
The squad has changed significantly over the past month: George Bailey
With both Cummins and Marsh ruled out, Smith has been named captain for the tournament. The star batter recently led Australia to a 2-0 Test series win against Sri Lanka. Interestingly, Smith was the captain of the side in the previous edition of the Champions Trophy in 2017.
"The squad has changed significantly over the past month on the back of some untimely injuries and the retirement of Marcus Stoinis. 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," Bailey added further.
To cover for the absence of key players, the squad has added fresh faces. Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Spencer Johnson, and Tanveer Sangha have been called up, while Cooper Connolly will travel as a reserve.
Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Rating squads of each team
Australia will prepare for the tournament with two ODIs against Sri Lanka in Colombo before kicking off their Champions Trophy campaign against England on February 22. They will then face South Africa on February 25 and Afghanistan on February 28 in the group stage.
Australia's 15-member squad
Traveling reserve: Cooper Connolly
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