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Mitchell Starc has pulled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to an injury that he reportedly suffered during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle last week.
Mitchell Starc ruled out of Champions Trophy 2025. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Legendary Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc will not take part in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The news was confirmed by Cricket Australia on Wednesday morning. The 35-year-old left-arm pacer was expected to lead the 2006 and 2009 Champions Trophy winners bowling attack in Pakistan in the absence of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, who were ruled out last week, but now he has also joined them on the sidelines.
Starc, who will not be commenting about his decision and has asked for privacy, looked to be in discomfort with a left ankle issue in bowling just four overs during Sri Lanka’s second innings of last week’s final Test at Galle.
It is understood he returned to Australia in the immediate aftermath of that game which means he will also miss the two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka starting in Colombo today.
While the reasons for Starc’s withdrawal remain private, Cricket Australia has expressed their full support for the 35-year-old who stands on the cusp of 100 Test appearances (currently 96) and 400 Test wickets (now 382).
“We understand and respect Mitch’s decision,” chair of the national selection panel George Bailey said today.
“Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia.
“His well-documented ability to play through pain and adversity, as well as forgoing opportunities in other parts of his career to put his country first should be applauded.
“His loss is of course a blow for the Champion’s Trophy campaign but does provide an opportunity for someone else to make a mark on the tournament.”
The loss of the high-profile pace trio has opened the door for next-generation quicks Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott and Ben Dwarshuis who have been named in Australia’s final 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy.
Johnson has played two ODIs and eight T20 internationals and is seen as a like-for-like replacement for Starc as a genuine left-arm quick.
Australia Champions Trophy squad: 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.