Fast bowler Mitchell Starc is not part of Australia's final squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy. Here's why.
It was not a happy morning on Australian shores as the news emerged on Wednesday (February 12) that Mitchell Starc had opted out of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, citing personal reasons.
After the announcement from Cricket Australia, this now means all three of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood (both injured) and Starc are not available for the eight-team tournament set to commence on February 19.
Speaking about the issue on ESPN's Around the Wicket show, former Australian skipper Aaron Finch said, “It’s a transition that was being called for over the last couple of years. For Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood, to play all three formats is ridiculously taxing for their body and maybe mind as well.”
He continued, “Nathan Ellis will get a great opportunity to lead the attack for Australia. The work that he has done for the last couple of years, every time he has played for Australia, he has been outstanding.”
Also read: Australia spinner reported for suspect action during Sri Lanka Tests
Cricket Australia's statement said that Starc had experienced a bit of discomfort while bowling in the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. He has asked for privacy around his decision. In the recently concluded test series, Starc took 3 wickets in the first Test bowling a total of 13 overs.
In the first innings of the second Test, the left-armer ended up bowling 16 overs, which might have proven to be a tipping point. Starc bowled only 4 overs in the second innings of the second Test, going wicketless.
What was the selectors' opinion while announcing the revamped Champions Trophy squad?
Chair of selectors, George Bailey, had a huge task on his hand as five of the fifteen players initially named in the Champions Trophy squad have either been ruled out or opted out of playing the tournament in Pakistan.
Bailey said, “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.
He continued, "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."
The 2025 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy will commence on February 19 in Karachi while Australia’s first match will be played on February 22 against arch-rivals England followed by matches against South Africa and Afghanistan on February 25 and February 28 respectively.
Australia’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy
Batters: Steve Smith (c), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Jake Fraser-McGurk
Wicketkeepers: Josh Inglis, Alex Carey
All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott
Bowlers: Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis, Tanveer Sangha, Spencer Johnson, Ben Dwarshius
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