No Mitch Starc; Fraser-McGurk In As Australia Announce Updated Squad For Champions Trophy

Mitchell Starc is the latest Australian to miss Champions Trophy [Source: @Footy_Strikes/X]

In a significant development, Cricket Australia (CA) unveiled the updated men's squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Led by Steve Smith, the 2009 edition champions have announced a formidable team for the marquee event. 

Earlier, Australia had already revealed their provisional squad for the Champions Trophy. However, they had to make five significant changes due to injuries to some key players, including Cummins and Hazlewood, as well as Marcus Stoinis's ODI retirement. 

Fraser-McGurk Returns; Abbott, Dwarshuis, Sangha In

Dynamic batter Jake Fraser-McGurk, who failed to find a place in Australia's provisional Champions Trophy squad, had been included as a replacement player. The swashbuckling batter will spearhead the Aussies' top order alongside Travis Head, Matthew Short and Marnus Labuschagne. 

Steve Smith, who will lead the side in the absence of Pat Cummins, will likely bat at his preferred number four position. The updated squad also sees Sean Abbott's return after missing out on the provisional team. 

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Left-arm fast bowler Ben Dwarshuis, who bagged 14 wickets in eleven matches at a strike rate of 16.71 in the BBL 2024-25, has been called up to spearhead the pace battery with Ellis and Abbott. Meanwhile, Tanvir Sangha has been added to the squad to strengthen the spin bowling department, which will be led by Adam Zampa. 

Why Will Mitchell Starc Miss Champions Trophy?

According to Cricket Australia, Mitchell Starc felt discomfort in his left ankle after bowling only four overs during Sri Lanka's second innings in the final Test in Galle. However, the fast bowler hasn't opened up on his withdrawal from the event, seeking privacy from the media as well as fans. Spencer Johnson joins the Australian squad as his like-for-like replacement. 

Australia's Updated Squad For ICC Champions Trophy

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

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