NEW DELHI: Mitchell Starc pulled out of this month’s event in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates for personal reasons and Australia will attempt to win the ICC Champions Trophy for the first time since 2009 using a completely new pace bowling line-up.
As the only player from Australia’s “big three” fast bowling attack to participate in all seven Test matches against India and Sri Lanka this summer, Starc will be sidelined for the match along with fellow quick Josh Hazlewood and skipper Pat Cummins (ankle).
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
All three of Australia’s top fast bowlers from the team that led them to the 50-over World Cup victory in India just over a year ago will be absent from the competition, along with injured all-rounders Marcus Stoinis (who abruptly quit ODI cricket last week) and Mitchell Marsh (back). Steve Smith will captain Australia.
During Sri Lanka’s second innings of last week’s last Test in Galle, Starc appeared uncomfortable with a left ankle problem while bowling just four overs. He has requested privacy and would not comment on his decision.
Starc is expected to miss the two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka that begins in Colombo today because he reportedly left for Australia right after that match.
The reasons behind Starc’s departure are still unknown, but Cricket Australia has stated that they fully back the 35-year-old, who is on the verge of reaching 400 Test wickets and 100 Test appearances.
“We understand and respect Mitch’s decision,” chair of the national selection panel George Bailey said today.
“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 Champion’s Trophy campaign but does provide an opportunity for someone else to make a mark on the tournament.”
With the departure of the pace trio, Australia’s final 15-man Champions Trophy roster now includes next-generation quicks Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott, and Ben Dwarshuis.
Smith was named captain in Cummins’ absence after leading Australia to a 2-0 Test series victory over Sri Lanka and winning player of the series.
Smith will also captain the ODI team in this week’s two 50-over matches against Sri Lanka in Colombo, which serve as warm-up games before Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign kicks off on February 22 against England in Lahore.
Australia has won the Champions Trophy twice, in 2006 and 2009. The competition was last played in the UK in 2017, with Pakistan defeating India in the final at The Oval.
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