Australia’s aspirations to clinch the Champions Trophy have taken another hit with fast bowler Mitchell Starc withdrawing due to personal circumstances.
Five players from Australia’s initial 15-man squad for the 50-over competition are now confirmed to be unavailable, including Pat Cummins (ankle), Josh Hazlewood (hip and calf), Mitchell Marsh (back), Marcus Stoinis (retirement), and Starc.
On Wednesday, Cricket Australia finalised its squad for the Champions Trophy, as preparations ramp up for the tournament, which will take place in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates from February 19 to March 9.
“Cricket Australia respects and supports Starc’s decision, the reasons for which he prefers to keep private,” CA stated in an announcement.
CA’s selection chairman, George Bailey, praised the exceptional contributions Starc has made to Australian cricket.
“Mitch is highly regarded for his unwavering commitment to international cricket and the importance he places on representing Australia,” Bailey remarked.
“His well-known resilience in playing through pain and challenges, along with his willingness to sacrifice opportunities in other areas of his career for the benefit of his country, is commendable.
“While his absence is certainly a setback for the Champions Trophy campaign, it also opens up an opportunity for someone else to shine in the tournament.”
The statement from CA continued: “Starc has asked the media to respect his privacy concerning this decision and will not be issuing any comments.”
The fact that Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood are unavailable means that Australia will be without the three fast bowlers who led them to victory in the 50-over World Cup in India in 2023.
Australia’s fast bowling lineup for the Champions Trophy now features Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, and Spencer Johnson.
Starc’s departure removes 127 ODI matches and 244 wickets from Australia’s squad.
The experienced paceman boasts an impressive ODI bowling average of 23.30, along with nine five-wicket hauls to his name.
MORE TO FOLLOW.
Australian Squad for Champions Trophy
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
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
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