Australia's Shaken Squad: Starc's Exit and Injury Woes Challenge Champions Trophy Campaign

Steve Smith's Australia faces a major setback as frontline pacer Mitchell Starc withdraws from the Champions Trophy for personal reasons. Injuries to key players further deplete their squad. Despite the challenges, Smith will lead the team, and new talents have been called up to fill crucial roles in the tournament.

Australia's cricket team, led by Steve Smith, faces significant challenges at the Champions Trophy following the withdrawal of prominent fast bowler Mitchell Starc. Citing personal reasons, Starc's absence leaves Australia without its core pace attack, already weakened by injuries to Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh.

The changes come at a crucial time, as the reigning ODI World Cup champions were forced to reconfigure their 15-member provisional squad. In the wake of Starc's exit, new players, including Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott, and Ben Dwarshuis, have been inducted into the team to bolster Australia's competitive edge.

Despite the setbacks, Chair of Selectors George Bailey remains optimistic, praising Starc's past contributions and expressing confidence in the new lineup's blend of experience and fresh talent. Smith will now lead the team during the tournament, set to unfold across Pakistan and UAE, driven to uphold Australia's cricketing dominance.

(With inputs from agencies.)