Australia’s preparations for the Champions Trophy 2025 have taken a major hit with Mitchell Starc withdrawing from the tournament for personal reasons. Cricket Australia confirmed a significantly altered 15-player squad that will be led by Steven Smith, replacing Pat Cummins and Mitchell Marsh, both ruled out due to injuries.
Australia’s Injury Woes and Squad Reshuffle
Australia’s squad has undergone a significant transformation over the past month, largely due to injuries to key players. Alongside Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh, the retirement of Marcus Stoinis has further forced Australia’s hand in reshaping their lineup.
Starc’s withdrawal means Australia will be without its entire World Cup-winning frontline pace attack when the tournament kicks off in Pakistan and the UAE on February 19.
Cricket Australia has respected Starc’s decision, with Chair of Selectors George Bailey acknowledging his commitment to international cricket.
“We understand and respect Mitch’s decision. 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 a blow, but this also presents an opportunity for someone else to shine in the tournament,” Bailey stated.
Steve Smith to Lead the Side
With Cummins and Marsh unavailable, Steve Smith has been entrusted with the captaincy. Smith recently guided Australia to a 2-0 Test series victory over Sri Lanka, demonstrating his leadership ability in challenging conditions.
New Faces in Australia’s Champions Trophy Squad
Australia has added five new players to the squad to cover the gaps left by injured and unavailable players:
- Sean Abbott
- Ben Dwarshuis
- Jake Fraser-McGurk
- Spencer Johnson
- Tanveer Sangha
Additionally, Cooper Connolly has been included as a traveling reserve.
Key Replacements and Their Roles
- Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has played just five ODIs with an average of 17.40, comes in as a top-order option. He recently made headlines by scoring a 95 off 46 balls in the BBL for Melbourne Renegades.
- Spencer Johnson, a left-arm quick, offers a like-for-like replacement for Starc but remains wicketless from two ODIs.
- Tanveer Sangha, who was already touring Sri Lanka as a development player, joins Adam Zampa as the second frontline leg-spinner.
Bailey remains optimistic despite the setbacks, stating, “While our squad has changed significantly due to injuries and retirements, the upside is that we have been able to call upon players who have had international exposure and success over the past year.”
Australia’s Champions Trophy Fixtures
Before heading into the tournament, Australia will play two ODIs against Sri Lanka in Colombo on February 14 and 16 as part of their final preparations.
Their Champions Trophy group stage matches are as follows:
- February 22 – vs England
- February 25 – vs South Africa
- February 28 – vs Afghanistan
Final Australia Champions Trophy 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
Mitchell Starc’s absence presents a significant challenge for Australia as they enter the Champions Trophy 2025 without their premier fast-bowling trio. However, the squad still boasts a mix of experienced players and rising talents, ensuring Australia remains competitive in the prestigious tournament.Under the leadership of Steve Smith, the revamped team will aim to adapt quickly to the conditions in Pakistan and the UAE and make a deep run in the tournament despite the setbacks.
