Mitchell Starc withdraws from Champions Trophy for personal reasons, leaving bowling stocks depleted

With his two great bowling mates already out of the Champions Trophy and after paying seven straight Tests, Mitchell Starc has made a shock call.

Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from the Champions Trophy squad for “personal reasons” and left Sri Lanka before two ODIs as the understrength final squad for the tournament was confirmed with Steve Smith as captain.

Starc’s shock move, after playing seven Tests in a row, including five against India and two in Sri Lanka, came after Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitch Marsh were also ruled out, while Marcus Stoinis retired from ODI cricket last week.

It demanded a reshuffle from selectors who have added Spencer Johnson, Sean Abbott and Ben Dwarshius to the original squad to carry the fast-bowling load.

Chairman of selectors George Bailey said Starc’s decision to withdraw was a personal choice that they fully supported.

“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.

Mitchell Starc won’t play in the Champions Trophy. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

“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.”

Starc was the only fast bowler used in two Tests against Sri Lanka in Galle, taking six wickets in the spin-friendly conditions.

His absence hurts Australia’s chances of winning the Champions Trophy for the first time since 2009 and adding to a bulging haul of trophies.

Despite a lean Big Bash, batting blaster Jake Fraser-McGurk is back in the squad along with boom young spinner Tanveer Sangha. Cooper Connolly, who made his Test debut in Galle last week, is a travelling reserve.

“The squad has changed significantly over the past month on the back of some untimely injuries and the retirement of Marcus Stoinis,” Bailey said.

“The upside of that is that we have been able to call on players who have had international exposure and success over the past 12 months.

“A strong core of some our most experienced players will provide a strong foundation in our attempt to win this edition of the Champions Trophy.

“We have a range of options to shape the playing XI within the tournament depending on the opposition and conditions we face.”

Australia will play its first match of the Champions Trophy, being held in Pakistan, against England on February 22.

Australia 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.

Originally published as Mitchell Starc withdraws from Champions Trophy for personal reasons, leaving bowling stocks depleted