Mitchell Starc withdraws, Steve Smith takes charge of Australia

Mitchell Starc's withdrawal from the event for personal reasons has dealt a serious blow to Australia's hopes of winning their third ICC Champions Trophy. Cricket Australia announced the decision, meaning that Steve Smith will take over as captain and Australia will play a completely new-look pace attack. Due to retirements and injuries, the Australian team for the next tournament has already changed many times. 

In addition to Marcus Stoinis' abrupt departure from ODI cricket last week, injuries have rendered captain Pat Cummins (ankle), Josh Hazlewood, and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh (back) unavailable. The previous champions will now be without any of its top pacers from the 2023 World Cup-winning team due to Starc's withdrawal. In the second Test in Galle, Starc, the only fast bowler to play all Test matches against India and Sri Lanka this summer, appeared uncomfortable as he only bowled four overs in Sri Lanka's second innings.