Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from the Champions Trophy at the last minute due to personal reasons, resulting in Australia fielding an entirely new bowling lineup in their quest to reclaim the trophy they last secured in 2009. Captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were already unavailable due to injuries. Additionally, Australia will miss all-rounders Mitchell Marsh, who is injured, and Marcus Stoinis, who unexpectedly announced his retirement. In a restructured squad revealed on Wednesday morning, precisely one week before the Champions Trophy commences in Pakistan, Australia appointed Steve Smith as captain.

Cricket Australia has chosen not to disclose specifics regarding Starc's situation, honoring the fast bowler's privacy and offering its full support. It has been reported that Starc, who participated in all seven Tests against India and Sri Lanka, returned home immediately following the conclusion of the second Test against Sri Lanka.

Starc will also be absent for the two-match ODI series in Sri Lanka that precedes the Champions Trophy.

“We understand and respect Mitch’s decision,” stated George Bailey, Chair of Australia's men’s selectors.

“Mitch is highly regarded for his dedication to international cricket and the emphasis he places on performing for Australia.

“His well-known capacity to compete through pain and adversity, as well as his willingness to forgo opportunities in other areas of his career to prioritize his country, deserves recognition.

“While his absence is undoubtedly a setback for the Champions Trophy campaign, it also opens the door for another player to shine in the tournament.”

Starc has requested that his privacy be honored concerning this decision and will refrain from making any public comments.

Who replaced Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood?

In the absence of Cummins and Hazlewood, the fast bowling unit that was crucial to Australia's triumph in the 2023 World Cup, the Australian team will rely on Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, and Spencer Johnson to lead the pace attack.

The responsibilities of all-rounder Stoinis are expected to be distributed between Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Hardy.

“The squad has undergone considerable changes in the last month due to unfortunate injuries and the retirement of Marcus Stoinis.

“The positive aspect of this situation is that we have been able to select players who have gained international experience and achieved success over the past year.

“A solid core of our most seasoned players will establish a robust foundation as we strive to secure victory in this edition of the Champions Trophy.

“We possess a variety of options to configure the playing XI throughout the tournament, tailored to the specific opposition and conditions we encounter.”

The revised Champions Trophy squad for Australia includes: 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, and Adam Zampa. The travelling reserve is Cooper Connolly.

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