Champions Trophy Australia Squad

Australia's campaign for the 2025 Champions Trophy has taken a significant hit with the withdrawal of Mitchell Starc for personal reasons. This latest development further reshapes a squad that was already dealing with major changes due to injuries and retirements. Steven Smith will lead the team, stepping in as captain for the tournament set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE from February 19.

Starc joins Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh on the sidelines, leaving the squad without their frontline fast bowlers. Additionally, Marcus Stoinis’ retirement has further deepened the selection headache.

Starc, who experienced discomfort during the second Test in Galle, has requested privacy regarding his decision to step away. Chair of selectors George Bailey acknowledged Starc’s commitment to Australian cricket, stating:

"Mitch has always put his country first, often playing through pain and adversity. His absence is a significant loss, but it opens up an opportunity for another player to step up in this crucial tournament."

Fresh faces in a revamped squad

With the squad undergoing a massive overhaul, Australia have brought in several new faces. Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Spencer Johnson and Tanveer Sangha have all been called up, while Cooper Connolly will travel as a reserve.

Fraser-McGurk, who has played just five ODIs with an average of 17.40, showed his explosive potential in the Big Bash League (BBL), smashing 95 off 46 balls for the Melbourne Renegades. Meanwhile, Johnson, a left-arm quick, provides a like-for-like replacement for Starc despite being wicketless in his two ODI appearances. Sangha, already in Sri Lanka with the Test squad as a development player, joins Adam Zampa as Australia’s second frontline spinner.

Despite the squad overhaul, Bailey remains optimistic about Australia's chances in the tournament, and said: "Although we've had to make significant changes due to injuries and Stoinis' retirement, we have called upon players with international experience and proven performances over the past year. The experienced core of the squad will be crucial in shaping our campaign and adapting to different conditions."

Australia's Champions Trophy schedule

To fine-tune their preparations, Australia will play two ODI warm-up matches against Sri Lanka in Colombo on February 14 and 16 before heading to the Champions Trophy. Their group-stage matches include:

February 22: vs England
February 25: vs South Africa
February 28: vs Afghanistan

Australia’s 2025 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.

Follow the campaign of the two-time champion Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025. Squad details, match timings and venues of Australia squad in ICC Champions Trophy.