Mitchell Starc Withdraws from Champions Trophy; Steve Smith to Lead Australia
Australian cricket has been dealt another blow as star fast bowler Mitchell Starc has pulled out of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy due to personal reasons. His withdrawal adds to Australia’s growing list of absentees, with fellow pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood already ruled out due to injuries.
In Starc’s absence, former captain Steve Smith has been chosen to lead the squad in the tournament. The Australian team has already been struggling with multiple setbacks, including all-rounder Mitchell Marsh being sidelined due to a back injury and Marcus Stoinis announcing his retirement from ODI cricket.
To fill the gaps in the squad, selectors have called up bowlers Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson, and Ben Dwarshuis. The team now features a mix of experienced players and new faces, including Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, and Adam Zampa. Additionally, young talent Cooper Connolly has been named as a traveling reserve.
Australia will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against England on February 22 in Lahore, Pakistan. The tournament is set to take place across venues in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
