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Mitchell Starc withdraws from Champions Trophy, Smith to lead
In a massive blow for Australia ahead of the Champions Trophy, pacer Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from the tournament due to personal reasons. This is the latest setback as Australia are already reeling from the absence of Josh Hazlewood, skipper Pat Cummins and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who all have been ruled out of the tournament due to their respective injuries.
Australia will now be missing all of their three frontline fast bowlers, who led the side to their ODI World Cup triumph in 2023 in India. The new-look squad for Champions Trophy, which includes familiar faces Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell and Alex Carey will be led by Steve Smith.
"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,” chair of selectors George Bailey said.
"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."
Australia will kickoff their Champions Trophy campaign by squaring off against England on February 22 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Australia Champions Trophy 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
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