Australia Champions Trophy squad: Mitchell Starc set to miss tournament

Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign looks set to take another hit, with the final member of its Big Three fast bowling brigade expected to miss the tournament. Full confirmed squad inside.

Australia will be without their Big Three fast bowling champions with Mitchell Starc withdrawing from this month’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan for personal reasons.

Warrior Starc has played seven straight Test matches this summer and spent a long time away from home.

He is consistently one of Australian cricket’s most dedicated professionals and barely misses a game.

Cricket Australia said it supported Starc’s decision to miss the tournament and Starc asked for his privacy to be respected over his undisclosed personal reasons for withdrawing.

Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from Australia’s Champions Trophy squad. Picture: Gett

In his place Australia has picked two left-arm quicks in Spencer Johnson and Ben Dwarshuis for a tournament where Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have already been ruled out.

From Australia’s original 15-man squad, Marcus Stoinis (retired) and captain Mitchell Marsh (injury) have also pulled out – with Steve Smith to skipper the side in the one-day showpiece.

NSW legspinner Tanveer Sangha has been called into the squad along with Sean Abbott and big hitter Jake Fraser-McGurk as revealed by this masthead.

In-form Test star Alex Carey has also been added and will feature in the 15 alongside incumbent white ball gloveman Josh Inglis.

Starc has flown home to Australia and will not play in the two-match series against Sri Lanka either, with National Selector George Bailey backing the call.

“We understand and respect Mitch’s decision,” 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 to someone else to make a mark on the tournament.”

The Champions Trophy starts next Wednesday with New Zealand playing Pakistan in the opening game.

Originally published as Australia Champions Trophy squad: Mitchell Starc set to miss tournament