Mitchell Starc withdraws from Champions Trophy; Australia revamp squad
What's the story
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has pulled out of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy for personal reasons.
The sudden exit has compelled Australia to reshuffle their bowling attack in their quest for the trophy last won in 2009.
Additionally, this comes as another blow for the team amid the loss of key players like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, who are injured.
All-rounders Michell Marsh (injured) and Marcus Stoinis, who retired recently, will also be absent.
Here's more.
Leadership change
Smith to lead Australia in Champions Trophy
In wake of these developments, Cricket Australia has named Steve Smith as the new team captain for the Champions Trophy.
The announcement comes just a week before the tournament starts in Pakistan.
Despite Starc's sudden exit, Cricket Australia has decided to respect his privacy and not reveal any further details about his withdrawal from the tournament.
Impact assessment
Starc's withdrawal: A significant loss for Australia
Starc's exit is a huge blow for Australia, as he was a pivotal player in all seven Tests, against India and Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, he returned home straight after the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka.
In the match, Starc appeared to be battling a left ankle problem while bowling only four overs.
His absence will also be felt in the two-match ODI Series in Sri Lanka ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Stats
A look at Mitchell Starc's ODI stats
In 127 ODIs, the pacer has amassed 244 scalps at an average of 23.40.
He also boasts an economy rate of 5.26, taking 12 four-wicket hauls and nine five-wicket hauls.
Additionally, his best ODI bowling figures read 6/28, which he bagged against New Zealand in 2015.
Meanwhile, 102 of his ODI scalps have come at home, while he has picked up 85 wickets in away ODIs.
Squad adjustments
Australia's new pace attack for Champions Trophy
In the absence of Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood, Australia's pace attack for the Champions Trophy will now depend on Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, and Spencer Johnson.
The duties of all-rounder Stoinis are likely to be shared between Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Hardy.
Despite the changes, Cricket Australia is confident of the revamped squad's performance in the upcoming tournament.
New lineup
Australia's revamped squad for Champions Trophy
Australia's 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, and Matthew Short.
Adam Zampa and Cooper Connolly will also join the team as traveling reserves.
Smith will captain this new-look side in their campaign, starting February 22 against England in Lahore.