Australia had to make large changes to their Champions Trophy team after Marcus Stonis declared his retirement from ODI cricket and Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood were all ruled out.
Australia’s strong pace attack of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins was all ruled out on Wednesday, dealing a serious blow to their hopes of winning the Champions Trophy. Although it was always doubtful that Cummins (ankle) and Hazlewood (side and calf) would participate, Starc has also withdrawn for private reasons. Steve Smith, who replaced Cummins during their crushing two-Test defeat of Sri Lanka last month, will be the team’s captain. All-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who retired from the 50-over match last week, and Mitchell Marsh, who was previously left out due to a back problem, are also missing from the 15-man roster.Chief selector George Bailey stated, “The squad has changed significantly over the past month on the back of some untimely injuries and the retirement of Marcus Stoinis.”
The benefit of that is that we have been able to call up players who have achieved success and recognition abroad in the last 12 months.
“A strong core of some our most experienced players will provide a strong foundation in our attempt to win this edition of the Champions Trophy,” he stated.”We have a range of options to shape the playing XI within the tournament depending on the opposition and conditions we face.”
During the current Australian summer, Starc was the only member of the “Big Three” fast bowling attack to participate in all seven Test matches against Sri Lanka and India.
Bailey stated that he respected Starc’s choice and that the details of his withdrawal will be kept confidential.
“Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia,” he stated.”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.”
Additionally, Starc will not play in the two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, which begins later Wednesday in Colombo.
The departure of Australia’s seasoned speed attack has made room for players like Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, and Spencer Johnson.
Emerging leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha was added to the team to support Adam Zampa, and Aaron Hardie takes over as the seaming all-rounder.Between February 19 and March 9, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates will host the eight-nation Champions Trophy.
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
