WEB DESK: Mitchell Starc has officially withdrawn from the Champions Trophy due to personal reasons, leading Australia to announce a revamped 15-player squad under the leadership of Steven Smith.
Australia has been compelled to make several adjustments to their provisional squad following injuries to key players, including Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh, as well as the retirement of Marcus Stoinis.
Mitchell Starc now also sidelined, the team finds itself without its complete frontline pace attack that triumphed in the last World Cup. This beleaguered squad will head into the tournament set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE, starting on February 19.
Starc is expected to miss the two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka that begins in Colombo today because he reportedly left for Australia right after that match.
The reasons behind Starc’s departure are still unknown, but Cricket Australia has stated that they fully back the 35-year-old, who is on the verge of reaching 400 Test wickets and 100 Test appearances.
“We understand and respect Mitch’s decision,” chair of the national selection panel George Bailey said today.
“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 Champion’s Trophy campaign but does provide an opportunity for someone else to make a mark on the tournament.”
