Starc seeks privacy after opting out of Champions Trophy

Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from the Champions Trophy for personal reasons with Australia confirming a different looking 15-player squad that will be captained by Steven Smith.

Australia had already been forced into a number of changes to their provisional squad due to the injuries to Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh alongside the retirement of Marcus Stoinis.

Starc’s absence means they are without their entire World Cup winning frontline pace attack for the tournament in Pakistan and the UAE which starts on February 19.

Starc, who has asked for privacy around his decision, had looked in some discomfort in the latter stages of the second Test in Galle.

“We understand and respect Mitch’s decision,” chair of selectors George Bailey said.

“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 Champions Trophy campaign but does provide an opportunity to someone else to make a mark on the tournament.”

Smith will take on the captaincy in place of Cummins and Marsh having led Australia to a 2-0 victory the Test series against Sri Lanka.

Australia Champions Trophy squad: Steve Smith (capt), 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 (ESPNcricinfo)