Another big name to miss as Australia finalise Champions Trophy squad

Australia’s ICC Champions Trophy Squad Hits Major Setbacks: Mitchell Starc Out and Injuries Take Their Toll

Australia has been hit with another significant blow ahead of the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy, as Mitchell Starc has been ruled out of the tournament due to personal reasons. This news comes on the back of several other setbacks, including key injuries and unexpected retirements, forcing selectors to make several last-minute changes to the squad.

Key Setbacks for Australia Ahead of Champions Trophy 2025

Australia’s final 15-player squad for the prestigious Champions Trophy was finalized on Wednesday, but the absence of Starc is the latest blow to a team already dealing with significant challenges.

• Mitchell Starc’s Withdrawal: The experienced fast bowler, who is a key figure in Australia’s bowling attack, will miss the tournament due to personal reasons.
• Injuries to Key Players: Australia has already been dealt with major injury concerns as Pat Cummins (ankle), Josh Hazlewood (hip), and Mitch Marsh (back) have all been ruled out of the Champions Trophy.
• Marcus Stoinis’ Retirement: In a surprising move, Marcus Stoinis retired earlier this month, leaving a gap in the squad and further complicating selection decisions.

New Faces in Australia’s Champions Trophy Squad

With the absence of key players, Australia’s selectors have called up several new faces to the squad in a bid to maintain their competitiveness in the tournament. Five new players have been included in the squad, ensuring that fresh talent is injected into the team.

• Sean Abbott
• Ben Dwarshuis
• Jake Fraser-McGurk
• Spencer Johnson
• Tanveer Sangha

Experienced batsman Steve Smith has been named the captain for the tournament, stepping into a leadership role during a period of uncertainty.

Full Australia ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad

• 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

Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly

What This Means for Australia’s ICC Champions Trophy Bid

With numerous changes and challenges to the squad, Australia will need to rapidly adjust to their new lineup. The combination of experienced players like Steve Smith and emerging talents like Spencer Johnson will be key to their success in the ICC Champions Trophy.

As they prepare for the tournament, Australia will aim to overcome the obstacles in their path and continue their legacy in the competition. The final squad will have to show resilience and adaptability to tackle the world’s best teams in what promises to be an exciting Champions Trophy.

Stay tuned for more updates as Australia’s preparations for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy unfold.