Mitchell Starc Withdraws from Australia’s ICC Champions Trophy Squad

A Blow to Australia’s Pace Attack

Mitchell Starc, one of Australia’s most formidable pace bowlers, has withdrawn from the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy due to personal reasons. This decision leaves the team without its first-choice pace attack that played a pivotal role in their 2023 World Cup victory. Starc, who has requested privacy regarding his withdrawal, joins captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood on the sidelines. Cummins is out with an ankle injury, while Hazlewood is dealing with a hip problem. The tournament, scheduled to take place in Pakistan and the UAE from February 19 to March 9, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. This absence of key players is undoubtedly a significant setback for Australia as they prepare for the competition.

A Depleted Squad Faces Challenges

In addition to the injuries and Starc’s withdrawal, Australia is also without all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who is sidelined with a back issue. Furthermore, Marcus Stoinis recently announced his retirement from one-day international cricket, further weakening the squad. The 15-player squad now includes Steve Smith as captain, 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. Cooper Connolly has been named as the traveling reserve. Despite the challenges, the squad remains hopeful of making an impact in the tournament.

Australia’s Champions Trophy Campaign Begins

Australia’s campaign in the Champions Trophy begins on February 22 with a match against England in Lahore. They will then face South Africa in Rawalpindi on February 25 and Afghanistan in Lahore on February 28. These matches are part of Group B, which also includes England and South Africa. The team will need to rely on the experience of players like Steve Smith, who will captain the side in Pat Cummins’ absence, and the fresh faces brought into the squad. George Bailey, the chairman of selectors, has expressed understanding and respect for Starc’s decision, acknowledging his dedication to the team over the years.

George Bailey’s Perspective on the Squad Changes

Bailey has emphasized that while Starc’s absence is a blow, it presents an opportunity for other players to step up and make a mark on the tournament. He highlighted the squad’s significant changes over the past month, largely due to injuries and Stoinis’ retirement. However, he also noted that the team has been able to call upon players with international exposure and success, providing a strong foundation for the competition. Bailey expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to adapt to different conditions and opposition, ensuring a competitive edge in the tournament.

The ICC Champions Trophy Groups and Australia’s Prep

The ICC Champions Trophy is divided into two groups: Group A consists of Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, and Pakistan, while Group B includes Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa. Australia’s depleted squad will need to perform at their best to progress through the group stages and beyond. The team is currently in Sri Lanka for a two-match ODI series, where they suffered a 49-run defeat in the first game, being dismissed for just 165. The series has highlighted the challenges Australia faces without their key players, but it also serves as a platform for the new squad members to gain valuable experience.

Other Developments: Kuhnemann’s Bowling Action and Tournament Coverage

In other news, Australia’s Test spinner Matt Kuhnemann has been reported for a suspected illegal bowling action following his impressive performance in the 2-0 Test series win in Sri Lanka. Kuhnemann, who took 16 wickets at an average of 17.18, will need to undergo testing to prove the legality of his action. This is the first time his bowling action has been questioned in his professional career, which spans 124 matches since 2017. Meanwhile, Sky Sports will broadcast all matches of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy live, providing fans with comprehensive coverage of the event. As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on how Australia adapts to the absence of their key players and whether the new squad can rise to the occasion.