ICC Champions Trophy: Australia stands devoid of primary pace options as Mitchell Starc exits

The deadline to finalize their squads for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy has not brought uplifting updates for the teams. While India was awaiting positive news about their primary pacer, the 2013 champions will need to do without Jasprit Bumrah, who toils against a lower back injury. For Australia, the last date has delivered possibly the last but hard-hitting blow to their ICC campaign. Mitchell Starc, the last remaining pace prospect out of the "Big 3," became the latest player to exit the Australia squad for the tournament. As it stands now, Australia is left devoid of any of their primary pace options as they gear up for another ICC championship. Cricket Australia has tackled the recent exits by adding Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott, and Ben Dwarshuis to their 15-member squad.

Another blow for Australia as Mitchell Starc withdraws from ICC Champions Trophy

Early in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy, the Kangaroos dealt with the unavailability of their skipper, Pat Cummins. The captain, who led Australia to the iconic victory against India in the 2023 ODI World Cup, was ruled out of the upcoming contest due to an injury that he picked up during the Border Gavaskar Trophy. His exit, which shaped up early in February, was followed by the exit of Australia's primary pace option, Josh Hazlewood, whose participation in the BGT was also curbed due to a side strain. Moreover, the puddle grew deeper for the ODI champions when Marcus Stoinis, originally named in their Champions Trophy squad, announced an immediate retirement from the format on February 6.

Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have formed the "Big 3" in Australia's pace lineup when added with Mitchell Starc. The pace department grew deeper with the presence of all-rounders like Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis. However, with just a week remaining for the ICC Champions Trophy to hit the action in Pakistan, Australia's pace order has been diluted beyond anticipation. Mitchell Marsh was one of the earlier ones to be ruled out of the squad along with Hazlewood. The all-rounder picked up a back injury during the Border Gavaskar Trophy and is unlikely to play again this season.

The latest setback is the exit of their last remaining primary pace option, Mitchell Starc. The 35-year-old, who looked in a bit of discomfort due to a left ankle issue in the Test against Sri Lanka, has provided no concrete explanation. The official announcement arrived on February 12, the last date to finalize squads for the tournament. The announcement, however, failed to provide reasoning behind Starc's decision, as he has demanded privacy regarding the call, which has shaped up due to "personal reasons." Maintaining the request, Cricket Australia expressed its support for the pacer in his decision.

"We understand and respect Mitch’s decision," the head of Australia's selection committee, George Bailey, said. "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 Champions Trophy campaign but does provide an opportunity for someone else to make a mark on the tournament," he added.

In the absence of all of their seasoned pace options, Australia has added considerably new seam prospects to the squad. Spencer Johnson, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, and Nathan Ellis have earned a call-up to the ICC Champions Trophy squad. Moreover, in the absence of Pat Cummins, star batter Steve Smith has been named Australia's captain for the marquee event. Smith will be aided by regular prospects Travis Head, Alex Carey, Marnus Labuschagne, and Glenn Maxwell in the campaign. However, it now remains an interesting scene to await as Australia goes about their task with a fairly new seam lineup. Australia has been placed in Group B along with Afghanistan, England, and South Africa, where they will open the tournament on February 22 against England in Lahore.

Australia squad for the ICC Champions Trophy

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.