Australia’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign has taken a massive hit with multiple key players missing out due to injuries, retirements, or personal reasons. With Mitchell Starc’s withdrawal for personal reasons and injuries ruling out Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh, Australia will now enter the tournament with a significantly different squad than expected. Adding to this setback, Marcus Stoinis also announced his shock retirement from ODIs, further impacting the team’s balance.
Here’s a look at five top Australian cricketers who were initially part of the Champions Trophy 2025 squad discussions but are now out:
1. Mitchell Starc (Personal Reasons)
Starc, Australia’s ace left-arm pacer, was expected to lead the team’s attack in the Champions Trophy. However, he has withdrawn from the tournament citing personal reasons. While the exact reason remains undisclosed, Starc had been struggling with discomfort during the second Test in Galle against Sri Lanka. His absence is a major blow, as he was the only member of the ‘Big Three’ Australian pacers (Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood) available for the tournament.
Selector George Bailey acknowledged the setback, stating, “His loss is of course a blow for the Champions Trophy campaign but does provide an opportunity to someone else to make a mark on the tournament.” Starc had been instrumental in Australia’s 2023 ODI World Cup triumph and his absence leaves a gaping hole in their bowling lineup.
2. Pat Cummins (Ankle Injury)
Australian captain Pat Cummins was forced to withdraw from the Champions Trophy due to an ankle injury sustained after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. The right-arm fast bowler has been a key figure in Australia’s success in all formats, leading them to the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup victories.
Cummins’ injury has not only weakened the bowling attack but also created a leadership void, with Steve Smith now stepping in as captain. His absence means Australia will field an entirely new pace lineup in the tournament.
3. Josh Hazlewood (Side Strain)
Hazlewood was ruled out midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in December 2024 due to a side strain and has not fully recovered in time for the Champions Trophy. Known for his accuracy and consistency, Hazlewood was a vital component of Australia’s World Cup-winning squad in 2023.
His absence, along with Starc and Cummins, leaves Australia without their elite fast-bowling trio that had dominated white-ball cricket in recent years. In his place, Australia has opted for Spencer Johnson, an emerging left-arm pacer.
4. Mitchell Marsh (Back Injury)
Marsh, who was being considered as Australia’s vice-captain, was ruled out due to a back injury. He had been a pivotal all-rounder for Australia in the past year, delivering strong performances with both bat and ball. His absence leaves a gap in Australia’s middle order and reduces their all-rounder depth.
With Marsh out, Australia will likely rely more on Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Hardie to fill the all-rounder role. His absence also adds pressure on Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne to stabilize the batting lineup.
5. Marcus Stoinis (Retirement)
In a shocking decision, Marcus Stoinis announced his retirement from ODI cricket just days before the Champions Trophy squad announcement. The powerful all-rounder played a crucial role in Australia’s 2023 ODI World Cup-winning campaign and was expected to provide balance to the squad.
Stoinis’ retirement forced selectors to look for a replacement, leading to the inclusion of Ben Dwarshuis, a left-arm pacer, and Matthew Short, a batting all-rounder. Australia now faces the challenge of entering the Champions Trophy with limited experience in their lower middle order.
With these five key players missing, Australia has called up several new faces, including Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Spencer Johnson, and Tanveer Sangha. The bowling attack will be untested at the international stage, making Australia’s title bid more challenging.
Smith, who captained Australia to a Test series victory against Sri Lanka, will now lead the team in the Champions Trophy, which starts on February 19. Australia will play their opening match against England on February 22, followed by games against South Africa (February 25) and Afghanistan (February 28).
Australia 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.