Mitchell Starc, the renowned Australian fast bowler, has officially withdrawn from participating in the upcoming Champions Trophy due to personal reasons. This decision has prompted a significant reshuffling within the Australian squad, which will now be captained by Steven Smith. The changes in the squad come in the wake of injuries sidelining key players such as Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh, along with the retirement of Marcus Stoinis.
With Starc's exit, Australia finds itself without its entire primary pace attack ahead of the tournament, set to commence on February 19 in Pakistan and the UAE. Starc, known for his exceptional skills and remarkable contributions to Australian cricket, has requested privacy regarding his reasons for withdrawal. His discomfort was apparent during the latter stages of the second Test match in Galle, highlighting his ongoing struggles with fitness.
The chair of selectors, George Bailey, expressed understanding and respect for Starc's decision while praising his dedication to the national team. Bailey acknowledged the sacrifices Starc has made over his career, often prioritizing his commitments to Australia over personal opportunities. Starc’s absence, while a setback for Australia's campaign, opens doors for other players to step up and showcase their talents on a significant platform.
Steven Smith is set to take over the captaincy in light of Cummins’ and Marsh's unavailability, having recently guided the team to a comprehensive 2-0 victory in the Test series against Sri Lanka. In response to the injuries and squad changes, five players—Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Spencer Johnson, and Tanveer Sangha—have been brought into the new 15-player squad, increasing the depth and flexibility of the team. Cooper Connolly also joins the team as a traveling reserve.
Jake Fraser-McGurk, who boasts a modest one-day international average of 17.40 across five matches, made a notable impression in the Big Bash League, scoring 95 runs off just 46 balls for the Melbourne Renegades. He provides another option at the top of the order during Marsh's absence. Spencer Johnson, a left-arm quick bowler, serves as the closest substitute for Starc despite being wicketless in his two ODI appearances so far. Additionally, leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha, who was already part of the Test squad in Sri Lanka, joins Adam Zampa, adding a second frontline spinning option to the team.
The dramatic alterations to the squad over the past month have not gone unnoticed. Bailey remarked on the unfortunate timing of the injuries and Stoinis' retirement but emphasized the silver lining of integrating players who have garnered international experience and success in recent months. He underscored the importance of the core experienced players remaining in the squad to provide stability and direction in their quest to win this edition of the Champions Trophy. The strategic flexibility within the squad will allow Australia to tailor their playing eleven according to the specific challenges posed by different opponents and playing conditions.
In preparation for the Champions Trophy, Australia will engage in two one-day internationals against Sri Lanka in Colombo on the upcoming Wednesday and Friday. Their inaugural match in the tournament will see them face England on February 22, followed shortly by contests against South Africa on February 25 and Afghanistan on February 28.
The revised Champions Trophy squad for Australia comprises:
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
In summary, while the exclusion of Mitchell Starc is a significant loss for the Australian team, there remains a solid framework of experienced players who are prepared to face the challenges ahead in the Champions Trophy. Australia aims to leverage its blend of new talent and seasoned cricketers to pursue success in the tournament, ensuring that these modifications bolster their competitive edge. The excitement builds as fans look forward to witnessing Australia's performance on the international stage despite the changes in personnel.