Australia’s bid to win the Champions Trophy was a dealt a serious setback Wednesday with their formidable pace attack of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood all ruled out. Cummins (ankle) and Hazlewood (side and calf) were at all times unlikely to play, but Starc has also withdrawn for private reasons. Steve Smith will captain the team after standing in for Cummins during their two-Test thrashing of Sri Lanka this month. The 15-man squad can be without all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who retired from the 50-over game last week, and Mitchell Marsh who was previously omitted with a back issue.
“The squad has modified significantly over the past month on the back of some premature injuries and the retirement of Marcus Stoinis,” said chief selector George Bailey.
“The upside of that’s that we’ve been capable of call on players who’ve had international exposure and success over the past 12 months.
“A powerful core of some our most experienced players will provide a robust foundation in our try to win this edition of the Champions Trophy,” he added.
“We’ve a variety of options to shape the playing XI throughout the tournament depending on the opposition and conditions we face.”
Starc was the one member of the “Big Three” fast bowling attack to play all seven Tests against India and Sri Lanka across the present Australian summer.
Bailey said he respected Starc’s decision, with the explanations for his withdrawal to stay private.
“Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia,” he said.
“His loss is in fact a blow for the Champions Trophy campaign but does provide a chance to another person to make a mark on the tournament.”
Starc will even miss the two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka starting in Colombo later Wednesday.
The lack of Australia’s long-time pace attack has opened the door for the likes of Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis and Ben Dwarshuis.
Aaron Hardie takes over because the seaming all-rounder while emerging leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha was included to enhance Adam Zampa.
The eight-nation Champions Trophy, between February 19 and March 9, shall be played in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
Australia squad: Steve Smith (capt), 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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