Starc Steps Back: Australia's Champions Trophy Challenge

Australia's fast bowler Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from the Champions Trophy for personal reasons, leaving Australia without its top pacemen. The team will rely on lesser-known bowlers in his absence. Steve Smith will lead the squad, which confronts challenges with injuries and unexpected retirements.

Australia's cricket team faced a significant setback as fast bowler Mitchell Starc withdrew from the Champions Trophy, citing personal reasons. This development deprives the squad of its premier pace attack for the ODI tournament in Pakistan and the UAE, following injuries to Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.

To compensate, Australia will turn to a group of reserve fast bowlers, including Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson, Ben Dwarshuis, and Nathan Ellis, in hopes of achieving glory in ODIs. Starc's absence also extends to the two warmup ODIs against Sri Lanka, the first of which starts this week in Colombo.

Selector George Bailey expressed understanding of Starc's decision, noting the gap it leaves in the Champions Trophy campaign but highlighting the opportunity it presents for other players. Steve Smith is set to captain the team, with crucial upcoming matches against England, South Africa, and Afghanistan.

(With inputs from agencies.)