Australia's chances of winning the ICC Champions Trophy have suffered a huge blow after veteran paceman Mitchell Starc withdrew from the squad due to 'personal reasons.'. Starc's decision was a surprise given the 35-year-old played seven Tests in a row, including five in the home series against India. Fellow quicks Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are out injured, while all-rounder Marcus Stoinis recently retired from ODI cricket.
![[Starc, 35, was the only Aussie fast bowler used in two recent Tests against Sri Lanka in Galle, taking six wickets in the spin-friendly conditions (pictured)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/12/05/95118943-14387771-Starc_35_was_the_only_Aussie_fast_bowler_used_in_two_recent_Test-a-144_1739338183286.jpg)
The likes of Spencer Johnson, Sean Abbott and Ben Dwarshius will now be asked to carry the fast-bowling load in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. Steve Smith will captain the new-look team in place of Cummins. Chairman of selectors George Bailey said Starc's call was a choice they fully supported. Australia's chances of winning the ICC Champions Trophy have suffered a huge blow after veteran paceman Mitchell Starc withdrew due to 'personal reasons' (pictured, with partner Alyssa Healy).
![[Steve Smith will captain the new-look squad in place of Pat Cummins, who has an ankle injury]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/12/05/95119703-14387771-Steve_Smith_will_captain_the_new_look_squad_in_place_of_Pat_Cumm-a-145_1739338183327.jpg)
Starc, 35, was the only Aussie fast bowler used in two recent Tests against Sri Lanka in Galle, taking six wickets in the spin-friendly conditions (pictured). Steve Smith will captain the new-look squad in place of Pat Cummins, who has an ankle injury. 'We understand and respect Mitch's decision,' Bailey said. '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 it does provide an opportunity for someone else to make a mark on the tournament.'. Starc was the only fast bowler used in two Tests against Sri Lanka in Galle, taking six wickets in the spin-friendly conditions.
His absence hinders Australia's chances of winning the Champions Trophy for the first time since 2009. Australia will play its first match of the Champions Trophy against England on February 22 in Lahore. Australia 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.
