Australia has named a final squad of 15 players that will participate in the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan. This is slated to start on February 19 in Karachi. Steve Smith is set to continue as captain in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins, while Mitchell Starc has been placed on the missing list, as the tall fast bowler has opted out for personal reasons. Australia made as many as five changes after their hand was forced due to multiple injuries along with Marcus Stoinis’ retirement.
Starc also requested privacy but he appeared to have discomfort in his left ankle while bowling in the second innings in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. “We understand and respect Mitch’s decision,”
Bailey said.
“Mitch commands the highest respect for his dedication to international cricket, as well as the needs he places above all else in order to play for Australia.”
Summer during which Starc played all 7 Tests, Johnson has been added to replace him into the squad. He has played just a couple of ODIs and eight T20Is. “Let us salute his suitably documented ability to play through pain and adversity while foregoing opportunities in other parts of his career, placing the interests of his country first.”
“Mitch’s absence, of course, hampers the Champions Trophy campaign, but it serves as an opportunity for someone else to create a mark during the tournament,” Bailey added.
Johnson will be seen as an exact replacement for Starc, with Ben Dwarshuis also being the other left-armer in the squad. McGurk came into the side as an opener substitute as Mitchell Marsh missed out and Sean Abbott was the third seamer. Australia takes a giant forward, looking for the future in terms of pace attack, with the new kid accepting that big three are missing for the first time in a major tournament.
A last minute inclusion for the gory Champions Trophy changes, leggie Tanveer Sangha, who was called to join the Test squad in Sri Lanka as a development player. Straight swap for the now-retired Marcus Stoinis comes Aaron Hardie, with Glenn Maxwell being the spin all-rounder in the mix. The squad will get a couple of games in Sri Lanka to get some final touches before the ICC event.
Australia Champions Trophy 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.
