No Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood! Australia Suffer Huge Setback As World Cup-Winning Trio Ruled Out Of Champions Trophy
The reigning ODI World champions announced their final squad for Champions Trophy after suffering an injury crisis. Read below for details.
Australia's Champions Trophy title ambitions are in huge jeopardy, as their ODI World Cup winning trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the competition due to injury.
Skipper Pat Cummins was already doubtful alongside Josh Hazlewood, while Mitchell Starc is the latest joinee on the absentees list after the conclusion of Sri Lanka Vs Australia Test series.
READ HERE: KKR Duo Makes A Cut Into ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Indian Side — Final Squad Details Inside
Another shocking change comes in the form of Marcus Stoinis, as the power-hutter announced his immediate retirement from the 50-over format few days ago.
In the absence of Pat Cummins, Steve Smith will be leading the side at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Australia Champions Trophy 2025 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.
Introducing our 15-player squad for the 2025 ICC #ChampionsTrophy 👊 pic.twitter.com/Rtv20mhXAW
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) February 12, 2025
Currently, Australia are contesting in a two-match ODI series in Sri Lanka, before they depart to play their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against England at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Australia ODI squad: Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa
Why Is Mitchell Starc Missing ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
Mitchell Starc has not suffered any injury, nor anything has been reported regarding his match fitness. The reason behind his absence from the mega event is 'private', as stated by Australia's chair of the national selection panel George Bailey.
"We understand and respect Mitch’s decision. 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," said George Bailey.
"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," he added.
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