Starc’s withdrawal leaves Australia in turmoil ahead of Champions Trophy 2025; Smith to lead as revamped squad announced
Australia’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign has been thrown into crisis following the withdrawal of Mitchell Starc, further compounding the absence of several senior players. With Pat Cummins (ankle), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh (back), and Marcus Stoinis (retirement) all ruled out, the squad has undergone significant changes, raising concerns about its ability to compete at the highest level.
With Starc stepping away for personal reasons, Australia is set to enter an ICC event without its legendary fast-bowling trio for the first time in over a decade. The reshuffled squad now places added responsibility on untested quicks Spencer Johnson, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, and Ben Dwarshuis, under the leadership of Steve Smith, who has been named captain in Cummins’ absence.
Major reshuffle in Australia’s squad
Starc’s decision comes after his grueling workload in the recent Test series against India and Sri Lanka, where he was the only frontline pacer to play all seven matches. His withdrawal has led to an inexperienced pace attack, with selectors turning to Johnson, Ellis, Abbott, and Dwarshuis—none of whom have played a major ICC tournament before.
The absence of Marsh and Stoinis has further disrupted the team’s balance, leaving Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Hardie to shoulder the all-rounder responsibilities. Adam Zampa and Tanveer Sangha will lead the spin attack, with Maxwell’s off-spin expected to play a crucial role in Pakistan and UAE conditions.
Leadership shift as Smith takes charge
With Cummins ruled out, Smith returns to lead the side, having previously captained Australia to a 2-0 Test series win over Sri Lanka. However, his squad lacks the experience and firepower that has made Australia a dominant force in ICC events over the years.
Despite the setbacks, the team still boasts a strong batting core, featuring Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, and Alex Carey, while Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short add depth at the top of the order.
Uncertainty looms over Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign
Australia now faces a daunting challenge as they prepare for the tournament with a heavily depleted squad. With five key players missing, concerns have been raised over the team’s ability to match up against top-ranked sides. The opening clash will serve as the first major test of how this revamped squad can adapt to the conditions and handle the pressure of an ICC tournament.