In an untimely blow to Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign, Mitchell Starc, one of their top pacers, has been ruled out of the tournament. Starc’s absence simply adds to the already growing list of woes facing the Australian team, which is nevertheless missing key players, particularly Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. This marks yet another shoulder blow-down for the already cursed Australian squad and makes it a daunting task for them to compete for the prestigious ICC title.
Starc’s Retirement Impact
Starc’s withdrawal left a huge void in the fast-bowling strength of the Australian opposition. Starc, who is a pace and wicket-taking power, had looked quite crucial in the tournament. His exit due to personal reasons leaves a huge disappointment for Australia, concerned that they no longer have one of their best bedrock bowlers.
Along with that, with Cummins and Hazlewood absent, the Australian bowling attack has been left exposed, making it that much harder for the top tiers.
Lead Change: Smith Now Counters
Other than missing out on several of his teammates, Australia faced a captaincy change. The original captain, Pat Cummins, is injured. As such, Steve Smith has been named captain of the team for the Champions Trophy. Smith is heavily experienced in the field, having regularly captained the Australian side. His influence will surely prove to be important, considering the fact Australia have mainly youth on their line-up in this dire and competitive tournament.
Australian Champions Trophy Squad
In spite of many senior players missing, the fresh young players named by the Australian selectors have been entrusted with filling the void. The squad comprises both seasoned players and some newcomers besides Hunter, who will rise to the occasion in the absence of senior stars. Here is the final Australian squad for the Champions Trophy:
Steve Smith (Captain)
Sean Abbott
Alex Carey
Ben Dwarshis
Nathan Ellis
Jake Fraser-McGurk
Aaron Hardie
Travis Head
Josh Inglis
Spencer Johnson
Marnus Labuschagne
Glenn Maxwell
Tanveer Sangha
Matthew Short
Adam Zampahas
Additionally, Cooper Connolly had the designation of being a traveling reserve.
Australia’s Quest: A Young Side With Big Expectations
In light of various experienced members of the batting section not being there, Australian selectors carried the brunt of the burden on the younger members of the group. Players like Glenn Maxwell, Marnus Labuschagne, and Adam Zampa are expected to make great contributions moving the team onward. But the one person under the spotlight would be Steve Smith. He will have to do the honors of captaining a team that is rather weak. Smith, in particular, has a lot of expectations on him to take this team through the Champions Trophy.
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Australia’s road to winning the Champions Trophy has just become harder with Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood sidelined. The boys will have to dig in deep and depend on the youth backing them in such testing times. Despite setbacks, Australia is one of the strongest teams around, and Steve Smith’s captaincy could play a crucial role in ferrying the Australians successfully across the rough waters. Nevertheless, it is fair to say that injuries and withdrawals shall add a sizable complication to their title aspirations.
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