Australia’s attempt to win the Champions Trophy took a big blow Wednesday when the fearsome pace lineup of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood was all ruled out. Cummins (ankle) and Hazlewood (side and calf) were doubtful from the start, but Starc too has now pulled out for personal reasons. Steve Smith will once again captain the team after stepping in for Cummins for the two-Test decimation of Sri Lanka earlier this month. The 15-man squad also misses out on all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who retired from the 50-over format last week, and Mitchell Marsh, who was already ruled out due to a back injury.
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“The squad has undergone quite a dramatic transformation over the last month due to some unfortunate injuries and, of course, the retirement of Marcus Stoinis,” said chief selector George Bailey.
“The good news is that we’ve been fortunate to call upon players who, over the previous 12 months, have gained international exposure and enjoyed success.”
“Our most experienced players will form a strong nucleus to support us in our endeavor to win this edition of the Champions Trophy,” he added.
“We’ll have a lot of options available to shape the playing XI throughout the tournament according to the opposition and conditions we encounter.”
Starc was the sole member of the “Big Three” fast-bowling combination to have lined up in all the seven Tests against India and Sri Lanka this current Australian summer.
Bailey had great respect for Starc’s decision, the reasons for which would remain private.
“Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia,” he said.
“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.”
Starc will also leave behind the ODI series against Sri Lanka later today at Colombo, which is going to kick-start with two matches.
Read moe : Australia champions trophy squad
Australia’s loss from the long-standing bowling attack has opened the doors of opportunity for Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis, and Ben Dwarshuis.
Aaron Hardie steps in as the seam-allrounder, while emerging leg spinner Tanveer Sangha has been added to supplement Adam Zampa.
The eight-team Champions Trophy will be held between February 19 and March 9 in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
Australia 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
