Steve Smith Captain, Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from Australia’s Champions Trophy squad due to personal reasons.
Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from Australia’s Champions Trophy squad due to personal reasons. This absence, combined with injuries to Pat Cummins (ankle) and Josh Hazlewood (hip), means none of Australia’s ‘big three’ fast bowlers will participate in the tournament. Marcus Stoinis’ recent retirement further compounded the selection issues.
Steve Smith will captain the squad in Pakistan. Selectors have included Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Spencer Johnson, and Tanveer Sangha in the 15-man squad. Nathan Ellis will also be relied upon in the absence of Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood.
Australia has won the Champions Trophy twice, in 2006 and 2009. They begin their campaign against England on February 22 in Lahore.
Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly.
Australia Champions Trophy squad
Steve Smith (capt), 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