Mitchell Starc Not In The Squad For Champions Trophy

Mitchell Starc is out of the Champions Trophy due to personal reasons. The Australian team has suffered, by way of incident, with changes galore to their squad due to injuries and Marcus Stoinis’s retirement. With Starc now out, Australia heads into its tournament without a complete fast-bowling warhead that had done most of the heavy lifting during their recent victory in the ODI World Cup.

Reasons behind Starc’s absence

Starc’s decision to play got embroiled in personal issues, though some have demanded that he keep his situation private. He expresses a vacancy in the Australian pace attack that will occur before the tournament begins on February 19 in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. The discomfort after the second Test match in Galle was acknowledged; however, being constantly fit for Australia was regarded as great value, and his absence is certainly noticed.

Selector chairman George Bailey was understanding but very respectful of Starc’s decision. He praised and saluted Starc for his long service to international cricket and recognized the fast bowler’s massive commitment in recent times. Bailey also pointed out that, despite the sudden vacancy, it opens the door for another player to step up and create their name in the tournament.

Captain Australia: a change in leadership with Steve Smith in the mix

Steve Smith, having been appointed captain for the Champions Trophy, will lead Australia since both Pat Cummins and Mitchell Marsh are already ruled out. This appointment comes close on the heels of him having led Australia to a 2-0 win in the Test series against Sri Lanka and proved he can still lead. His experience from previously captaining the team through different formats will lend great service for Australia to pull through such a difficult phase without a couple of its main players.

A fresh squad for the Champions Trophy

After the withdrawal of Starc and in light of injuries and retirements from cricketers like Cameron Green, Australia announced a new 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy. The new faces have been brought to the team, and a few crucial replacements, especially within the attack bowling department, have been made. The squad sees players with less than a year or so of international experience, helping front Australia’s chances despite the retirements and injuries.

The Australian squad for the Champions Trophy consists of:

Steven Smith (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
Adam Zampa

Cooper Connolly is also being named as a reserve player for the squad.

Key Changes to the Squad

Mitchell Starc’s withdrawal from the tournament is another turning point in the Australian squad. The team had previously suffered some blows due to Marcus Stoinis’s retirement and injuries to eminent players like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh. In their place have come some smaller names: Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, and Jake Fraser-McGurk.

In a fine run in the Big Bash League, Jake Fraser-McGurk scored 95 off 46 balls to win the game for the Melbourne Renegades. This gives Australia another option at the top of the order in Mitchell Marsh’s absence. Alongside this duo of new quick bowlers, Spencer Johnson will join this left-arm option.

Another massive addition is Tanveer Sangha, who will be the backup to Adam Zampa. The inclusion of these new players only emphasizes a lot of Australia being in great depth, as they continue to re-fit their squad for the conditions they will face in the Champions Trophy.

Australia’s Tournament Strategy

The selection committee, headed by Bailey, has shown confidence in this new-look side despite the massive changes. Bailey pointed out that the squad now consists of a combination of experienced players and young talents, which would allow them to adapt and thrive in the Champions Trophy. The versatility within the squad in terms of an option in both batting and bowling will give Steve Smith that leeway to fill in an XI according to what the tournament requires.

As part of their preparations, Australia will go to Colombo to play two ODIs against Sri Lanka shortly before the Champions Trophy opens. Australia will face England on February 22nd, followed by clashes working with South Africa on February 25th and Afghanistan on February 28th.

Though injury and withdrawal of vital players can never be escaped in sport, Australia’s side is still one of the favorites to win the title of Champions trophy. Though definitely disappointing to miss the services of Starc, Cummins, and Marsh, the larve of new talent and the rejuvenated leadership from Steve Smith bring a lot of optimism for the squad where Australia’s strength, depth, experience, and adaptability will come into play in these times to go forward to put on a test display on the worldwide stage.

ALSO READ: Jasprit Bumrah Ruled Out Of ICC Champions Trophy 2025