• Source:JND
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Champions Trophy 2025: Australia have suffered yet another big blow as senior pacer Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 due to personal reasons.

Australia have finalised their 15-member squad for the marquee tournament and Steve Smith is all set to lead the side in the absence of some big names.

Starc recently featured in both Tests against Sri Lanka in Galle. Cricket Australia have not provided further details regarding Starc's absence, respecting the veteran player's request for privacy.

"We understand and respect Mitch's decision," chair of selectors George 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."

With injuries to Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh alongside the retirement of Marcus Stoinis, the Aussies will now be without their entire frontline pace attack for the tournament in Pakistan and the UAE which starts on February 19.

Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Spencer Johnson and Tanveer Sangha have been brought in from outside the original 15-player group that was announced earlier. Cooper Connolly will be a travelling reserve.

Australia will play a two-match ODI series in Sri Lanka before kicking off their Champions Trophy campaign against England in Lahore on February 22.


Australia 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]