Champions Trophy 2025: Mitchell Starc Withdraws From Final Australia Squad, Steve Smith to Lead Side

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Australia set for new-look fast bowling attack in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan and UAE after senior pacer Mitchell Starc withdrew from the tournament due to personal reasons.

Starc, who was the only remaining pacer from the 2023 ODI World Cup final, has joined captain Pat Cummins (ankle) and fellow quick Josh Hazlewood on the sidelines for the upcoming ICC event, scheduled to begin on February 19.

The 35-year-old was only one of the 'big three' fast bowling attack to play all seven Tests against India and Sri Lanka across the current summer after Cummins missed the tour to Lanka, while Hazlewood missed few games at home before being ruled out for the remainder of games.

According to cricket.com.au, Starc will not be commenting about his decision and has asked for privacy. The report further added that the senior pacer looked to be in discomfort with a left ankle issue in bowling just four overs during Sri Lanka's second innings of last week's final Test at Galle.

The report also added Starc returned home after the second Test in Galle, meaning he will also miss the two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka starting in Colombo on Wednesday (February 12). Cricket Australia also has expressed their full support for Starc.

"We understand and respect Mitch's decision. Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia," CA chief selector George Bailey was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

"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 Champion's Trophy campaign but does provide an opportunity for someone else to make a mark on the tournament."

Australia were already grappling at finding four replacements after Cummins, Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh and recently retired Marcus Stoinis, who were all picked in the preliminary squad, were forced to withdraw in the last two weeks, leading up to the tournament.

Steve Smith, who is already leading the side in Sri Lanka, has been named the captain, replacing Cummins, while the pace attack will now be led by Sean Abbott with fellow pacers Ben Dwarshius and Spencer Johnson also joining the squad.

Abbott, Dwarshius and Johnson will join Nathan Ellis as the specialist quicks, while all-rounder Aaron Hardie will also add to the pace options in the squad that includes Adam Zampa with Sangha as cover in the specialist spin department.

Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short and Travis Head can also roll their arm for few overs of spin if required, while Josh Inglis and Alex Carey will be the two wicketkeeping options with Smith set to be accompanied by Fraser-McGurk and Marnus Labuschagne as the pure batters.

Australia has also included opening batter Jake Fraser-McGurk and spinner Tanveer Sangha to the squad as replacements for Stoinis and Marsh. Young all-rounder Cooper Connolly, who made his Test debut recently, has also been added as a travelling reserve.

Australia Champions Trophy squad

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. Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly.

Australia, the 2006 and 2009 winners, will open their 2025 Champions Trophy in the group stage against Ashes rivals England on February 22 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where they will also face Afghanistan on February 28 after meeting South Africa on February 25 in Rawalpindi.