Picture Credit: X
On Wednesday, February 12, Cricket Australia announced their updated 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. The side was forced to make a few changes from their previously named preliminary squad after regular skipper Pat Cummins, pacer Josh Hazlewood and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh were forced to miss out due to respective injuries.
Furthermore, in a shocking move, Aussie all-rounder Marcus Stoinis also announced retirement from ODI cricket. On Wednesday, things further escalated as one of the ‘Big Threes’, veteran pacer Mitchell Strac also withdrew from the marquee tournament, which is set to get underway in Pakistan from February 19 onward.
Mitchell Starc withdraws from Champions Trophy 2025; Steve Smith named captain
Starc cited “personal reasons” for his last minute withdrawal from the tournament, which has come as a major blow. Speaking after the squad announcement, Chief Selector George Bailey said, “The squad has changed significantly over the past month on the back of some untimely injuries and the retirement of Marcus Stoinis. 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.”
Speaking on Starc’s decision, George Bailey said, “Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia. 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."
With the experience Australian pace trio of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins missing the marquee tournament, it has now opened the doors for the likes of Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis and Ben Dwarshuis. Furthermore, Aaron Hardie will be the seaming all-rounder, while Tanveer Sangha will complement Adam Zampa in the spin department.
Australia squad for ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025
Steve Smith (capt), 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
