Australia named their final 15-member squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan, set to commence on February 19 in Karachi. Steve Smith will continue to lead the side in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins while Mitchell Starc’s name was added to the missing list as the tall fast bowler withdrew due to personal reasons. Australia made as many as five changes after their hand was forced due to multiple injuries as well as Marcus Stoinis’ retirement.
Starc has asked for privacy but he did look in some discomfort during the second bowling innings for Australia in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle with his left ankle. “We understand and respect Mitch’s decision,” chairman of the selectors George Bailey said. “Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia.
Starc, who played all seven Tests in the summer, was replaced by Spencer Johnson in the squad, who has played a couple of ODIs and eight T20Is. “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 Champion’s Trophy campaign but does provide an opportunity for someone else to make a mark on the tournament,” Bailey added.
Johnson is being seen as a like-for-like replacement for Starc with Ben Dwarshuis being the other left-armer in the squad. Jake Fraser-McGurk was added to the side as a backup opener with Mitchell Marsh missing out and Sean Abbott was the third seamer as Australia look ahead to the future in terms of pace attack, replacing the big three for the first time in a big tournament.
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Leggie Tanveer Sangha, who was called up to be with the Test squad in Sri Lanka as a development player was the final addition to the host of changes Australia had to make for the Champions Trophy. Aaron Hardie will be a straight swap for the now-retired Marcus Stoinis with Glenn Maxwell being the spin all-rounder in the side. The squad will get a couple of games in Sri Lanka to fine-tune their preparations for the ICC event.
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.
