Australia announce final squad for ICC Champions Trophy with Mitchell Starc opting out

Australia has announced their finalized squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Due to Pat Cummins' injury, Steve Smith will take over the captaincy for the mega event.

Under Smith's leadership, the squad includes players such as Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser, and Aaron Hardie. 

Other players in the squad are Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, and Adam Zampa.

However, one of Australia’s key players and fast bowler, Mitchell Starc, has withdrawn from the Champions Trophy due to personal reasons. Cricket Australia has supported Starc’s decision, stating that we will not make any further comments on the matter.

It is also important to note that captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh have already been ruled out of the tournament due to fitness issues. Additionally, all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has retired from one-day cricket.

George Bailey, the Chairman of the Selection Panel, stated that due to injuries and retirements, several changes had to be made to the initial squad.

Bailey also mentioned, "We have called up players who have shown strong performances over the past 12 months."

Australia squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025:  

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.