Steve Smith has been named Australia's captain for the ICC Champions Trophy following Mitchell Starc's withdrawal due to personal reasons.
This means the tournament in Pakistan will be without all of Australia's โbig three' fast bowlers, as Starc joins fellow pacemen Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood - both sidelined due to injury.
โWe understand and respect Mitch's decision,โ George Bailey, chair of the national selection panel, said in a statement.
โHis 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.
โHis loss is of course a blow for the Champion's Trophy campaign but does provide an opportunity for someone else to make a mark on the tournament.โ
Australia's final 15-man squad includes next-generation quicks Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott, and Ben Dwarshuis, all eager to seize the opportunity.
Smith's appointment as captain follows his leadership in Australia's recent 2-0 Test series victory over Sri Lanka, where he was named Player of the Series.
This news also follows Marcus Stoinis' announcement of his immediate retirement from ODI cricket.
Pakistan remains the reigning champion of the ICC Champions Trophy, last held in 2017, while Australia previously claimed the title in 2006 and 2009. The opening game will take place on February 19th, with New Zealand facing the defending champions.
