The Australian cricket team continues to face setbacks as fast bowler Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from the ICC Champions Trophy.
Mitchell Starc has opted out of the tournament, set to begin in Pakistan on February 19, due to personal reasons.
Cricket Australia has stated its full support for Starc’s decision. The pacer has requested privacy from the media and will not comment on the matter.
Notably, captain Pat Cummins, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh had already been ruled out due to fitness concerns, while all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has retired from One Day International (ODI) cricket.
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia has announced its final squad for the Champions Trophy, with Steve Smith set to lead the team.
The Australian squad includes:
- Captain: Steve Smith
- Players: 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, and Adam Zampa.
Chairman of the selection panel, George Bailey, stated that multiple changes had to be made due to injuries and retirements. He emphasized that the squad consists of players who have performed well over the past 12 months.
The ICC Champions Trophy is set to commence in Pakistan on February 19.
