Australia have been blown away with a stack of injuries as pace ace Mitchell Starc has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While Steve Smith will lead the Aussies in the upcoming showcase event in absence of Pat Cummins.

Starc was the only member of Australia's 'big three' fast bowling attack to play all the seven Tests against India and Sri Lanka and he was bound for another ICC trophy before withdrawing himself for the tournament due to his personal reasons.

Starc, who will not be commenting about his decision and has asked for privacy, looked to be in discomfort with a left ankle issue during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

However, the Cricket Australia (CA) has expressed full support to Mitchell Starc's decision.

"We understand and respect Mitch’s decision,” chair of the national selection panel George Bailey said today.

"Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia.

"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.

"His loss is of course a blow for the Champion’s Trophy campaign but does provide an opportunity for someone else to make a mark on the tournament."

The loss of the 'big three' has opened up the floodgates for the rising pacers, the likes of, Spencer Johnson, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis and Sean Abbott as they all have been named into the Australia's squad for the Champions Trophy.

Australia's Champions Trophy squad: Steve Smith (Captain), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey,  Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (Wicketkeeper), Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.

Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly.

Emerging leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha has been added into the squad, while 21-year-old Cooper Connolly has been named as a travelling reserve.