Another big name to miss as Australia finalise Champions Trophy squad

Australia have suffered another blow ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy with news that experienced quick Mitchell Starc will miss the tournament due to personal reasons.

The Aussies finalised their 15-player squad for the eight-team event on Wednesday and the absence of Starc is the latest setback to a group already decimated by injury.

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Skipper Pat Cummins (ankle), fellow quick Josh Hazlewood (hip) and all-rounder Mitch Marsh (back) were already ruled out and the shock recent retirement of Marcus Stoinis earlier this month left selectors scrambling to find replacements.

The loss of Starc means five new players have been parachuted into Australia's Champions Trophy squad, with Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Spencer Johnson and Tanveer Sangha all included in the playing group for the tournament with experienced batter Steve Smith named as captain for the event with Cummins missing.

Australia didn't disclose the exact reason for Starc's absence, although selection chair George Bailey did reveal the tall pacer had the full support of the team.

“We understand and respect Mitch’s decision,” Bailey said.

“Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia.

“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.”

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It means Australia will now be without all three of the key quicks that helped them to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup title in 2023, with Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood all sidelined alongside the injured Marsh and the retired Stoinis.

There will be further opportunities at the Champions Trophy for the likes of fellow pacers Aaron Hardie, Nathan Ellis, Abbott, Dwarshuis and Spencer Johnson, while Glenn Maxwell's part-time spin is sure to be utilised alongside first-choice spinner Adam Zampa.

Bailey is looking forward to seeing how the new-look squad can perform in Pakistan, with Australia drawn in Group B alongside England, Afghanistan and South Africa.

"The squad has changed significantly over the past month on the back of some untimely injuries and the retirement of Marcus Stoinis," Bailey said.

“The upside of that is that we have been able to call on players who have had international exposure and success over the past 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.

“We have a range of options to shape the playing XI within the tournament depending on the opposition and conditions we face.”

Australia will continue their preparations for the tournament with two ODIs against Sri Lanka in Colombo this week, ahead of their tournament opener against England on February 22.

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Australia Champions Trophy squad: 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.