Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 25, the Australian team has suffered another major setback. After losing Pat Cummins, Mitchell Marsh, and Josh Hazlewood to injuries and Marcus Stoinis’ sudden retirement, star fast bowler Mitchell Starc has now also withdrawn from the tournament due to personal reasons.
Mitchell Starc Pulls Out; Steve Smith Named ODI Captain
When Cricket Australia announced the final squad for the Champions Trophy 25, Mitchell Starc’s name was missing. Reports confirmed that he had opted out due to personal reasons. Following Australia’s dominant victory in the Test series against Sri Lanka, former captain Steve Smith has been appointed as the ODI skipper for the tournament.
Starc’s withdrawal from the team has added five new players to Australia’s Champions Trophy squad: Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Spencer Johnson, and Tanveer Sangha.
Australia has not disclosed the exact reason for Starc’s absence, although selection chair George Bailey revealed that the tall fast bowler had the full support of the team.
Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald had already confirmed that Pat Cummins, Mitchell Marsh, and Josh Hazlewood would miss the event due to injuries. With Starc’s withdrawal, Cricket Australia has respected his decision and privacy. Chief selector George Bailey acknowledged Starc’s contribution to Australian cricket, calling his absence a “big loss” but also an opportunity for new players to step up.
Australia Faces Champions Trophy 25 Without Star Trio
Australia will now compete in the Champions Trophy 2025 without three key players who played a crucial role in winning the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup title. These star players include Mitchell Starc, captain Pat Cummins, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, and Marcus Stoinis.
New Faces in Australia’s Revised Squad
With three key pacers ruled out, Spencer Johnson, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, and Sean Abbott have been added to the squad. Aaron Hardie replaces Marcus Stoinis, while Tanveer Sangha has also been included. Cooper Connolly will travel as a reserve.
Australia’s first match in the Champions Trophy 25 is scheduled for February 22 against arch-rivals England in Lahore.
Australia’s Final Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
Steve 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.
Traveling Reserve: Cooper Connolly.
