Mitchell Starc out of Champions Trophy for personal reasons; Smith to lead Australia

Australia’s gun fast bowler Mitchell Starc has pulled out of the upcoming Champions Trophy due to undisclosed personal reasons. In the absence of injured Pat Cummins, veteran batter Steve Smith will lead Australia in the eight-team tournament.

Furthermore, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh have been ruled out because of injuries whereas Marcus Stoinis recently decided to retire. Ergo, the Australian selectors have picked Ben Dwarshuis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Spencer Johnson, Tanveer Sangha, and Sean Abbott in the 15-man squad.

“We understand and respect Mitch’s decision,” George Bailey, chair of men’s selectors, said of Starc who will also miss the two ODIs in Sri Lanka. “Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia.

“His well-documented ability to play through pain and adversity, as well as forgoing opportunities in other parts of his career to put his country first should be applauded.

“His loss is of course a blow for the Champions Trophy campaign but does provide an opportunity to someone else to make a mark on the tournament.”

Cricket Australia had to make five changes to their initial squad after injury woes and Stoinis’ sudden retirement decision.

“The upside of that is that we have been able to call on players who have had international exposure and success over the past 12 months,” Bailey said. “A strong core of some our most experienced players will provide a strong foundation in our attempt to win this edition of the Champions Trophy. We have a range of options to shape the playing XI within the tournament depending on the opposition and conditions we face.”

Australia will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against arch-rivals England at Lahore on February 22.

Australia squad: 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, Adam Zampa. 

[Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly]