Australia's campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy has taken a major hit with Mitchell Starc withdrawing from the tournament for personal reasons. This latest development means the team will be without its entire first-choice pace attack from their victorious 2023 Cricket World Cup squad, as captain Pat Cummins (ankle injury) and Josh Hazlewood (hip problem) are also unavailable.

The tournament, set to take place in the UAE from February 19 to March 9, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Starc has requested privacy regarding his withdrawal, while the team management has acknowledged and respected his decision.

Adding to Australia's woes, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out due to a back injury, and Marcus Stoinis has announced his retirement from one-day international cricket, opting out of the 15-player squad.

Australia's Squad for the Champions Trophy

Steve Smith (captain), 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.

Australia is set to kick off its Champions Trophy campaign against England in Lahore on February 22. Their other Group B matches will see them face South Africa in Rawalpindi on February 25, followed by Afghanistan in Lahore on February 28.

Chairman of selectors George Bailey expressed his support for Starc’s decision, emphasizing the pacer's commitment to the national team over the years.

"We understand and respect Mitch's decision. 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," Bailey said.

While acknowledging the setback, Bailey pointed out that Starc's absence opens the door for other players to seize the opportunity and make a mark on the tournament.

Changes and Adjustments in the Squad

With Cummins, Hazlewood, and Starc all ruled out, Australia has made several changes to its squad. Steve Smith has taken over the captaincy in Cummins' absence, a role he is already fulfilling in the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka.

To fill the gaps, all-rounder Sean Abbott, fast bowlers Spencer Johnson and Ben Dwarshuis, leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha, and top-order batter Jake Fraser-McGurk have been drafted into the squad. Cooper Connolly has been named as the travelling reserve.

Bailey acknowledged the significant reshuffling in the squad over the past month due to injuries and retirements but remained optimistic about the depth of talent in the team.

"The squad has changed significantly over the past month on the back of some untimely injuries and the retirement of Marcus Stoinis. The upside of that is that we have been able to call on players who have had international exposure and success over the past 12 months," he said.

ICC Champions Trophy Groups

Group A: Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, Pakistan

Group B: Afghanistan, Australia, England, South Africa

Despite the setbacks, Bailey remains confident that Australia has a strong core of experienced players who can provide the necessary stability and leadership in the tournament.

"A strong core of some of our most experienced players will provide a solid foundation in our attempt to win this edition of the Champions Trophy. We have a range of options to shape the playing XI within the tournament depending on the opposition and conditions we face."

The ICC Champions Trophy will feature some of the world's best cricketing nations battling for supremacy.