Australia Faces Major Blow Before Champions Trophy as Mitchell Starc Opts Out while Steve Smith Steps In as Captain
Australia has suffered a major blow ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy, with captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood ruled out. Steve Smith has been appointed captain in Cummins absence. The squad also misses all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who retired from ODIs, and injured Mitchell Marsh. The tournament, featuring eight teams, will run from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan.
For the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, Australia faces a major setback as key fast bowlers, including captain Pat Cummins, are ruled out. Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Cummins will miss the tournament, significantly impacting Australia’s pace attack. While Cummins and Hazlewood are sidelined due to injuries, Starc has withdrawn for personal reasons. As a result, Steve Smith has been appointed as the new captain, bringing leadership experience after recently guiding Australia to two Test victories against Sri Lanka.
Australia will also be without all-rounders Marcus Stoinis, who retired from ODIs, and Mitchell Marsh, who is recovering from an injury. Chief selector George Bailey acknowledged the challenges posed by these absences but expressed confidence in the squad’s depth and adaptability. He emphasized that the team has experienced players who can adjust strategies based on opponents and playing conditions.
The Champions Trophy will feature eight teams and will be hosted in Pakistan, with India’s matches taking place in the UAE. The tournament runs from February 19 to March 9.
Australia Squad for the Champions Trophy:
Steve Smith (Captain), 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.
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