Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from the Champions Trophy due to personal reasons. Cricket Australia released their revamped squad ahead of the 12 February deadline. There are 5 changes in the team with the squad crippled by injuries. In Pat Cummins' absence, Steve Smith has been given the responsibility of team captaincy. Australia had to make changes earlier due to injuries to Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh, and Marcus Stoinis' retirement. After Starc's exit, the Kangaroo team will enter the tournament to be held in Pakistan and UAE from February 19 without their full frontline pace attack. Selection Committee Chairman George Bailey said, "We understand and respect Mitchell's decision. Mitch is highly respected for his commitment to international cricket and prioritizing his performance for Australia." 5 New Players Included Cricket Australia has made 5 changes to the previously announced team. Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Spencer Johnson and Tanveer Sangha have been included in the squad of 15. Cooper Connolly will be the travelling player. Fraser McGurk rewarded for excellent performance in BBL Fraser-McGurk has been included in the team as a top-order option in Mitchell Marsh's absence, though he has averaged 17.40 runs in the 5 ODI matches played so far. He scored 95 runs off 46 balls for Melbourne Renegades in the BBL. Spencer Johnson is a left-arm fast bowler. He has been included in the team in place of Mitchell Starc, though he hasn't taken wickets in two ODI matches. Tanveer Sangha is a leg spinner. He has been included in the team as a second spinner alongside Adam Zampa. Sangha was included in the team for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka. Australia will prepare for the Champions Trophy with two ODI matches against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Wednesday and Friday. Their first match of the tournament is against England on February 22, followed by matches against South Africa (February 25) and Afghanistan (February 28). Australia's Champions Trophy squad:
Steve Smith (Captain), 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, Matt Short, Adam Zampa.Original Article