There seems to be no end to the dangers for Australia before the Champions Trophy. In the last few weeks, some of the team's star players have been out due to injuries. Among them, the absence of Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins has already been confirmed. Now, a sad news comes, Australian star pacer Mitchell Starc has withdrawn himself from the Champions Trophy.

Starc, who is known as one of the best pace bowlers in world cricket, has withdrawn himself from the ICC Champions Trophy due to personal reasons. As a result, Australia's famous pace trio Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood will not participate in the tournament.

Australia's chief selector George Bailey said about Mitchell Starc's decision, "We understand and respect Mitch's decision. Mitch has great respect for his international cricket and his performance for Australia."

Cricket Australia was then forced to make changes to Australia's squad. Steven Smith will take over as captain in Cummins' absence. A total of five changes have been made to the Champions Trophy squad. Shaun Abbott, Ben Darwis, Jack Fraser-McGurk, Spencer Johnson and Tanvir Sangh have been called up.

Australia will play their first match of the Champions Trophy against England on 22 February. The next two matches will be against South Africa on 25 February and Afghanistan on 28 February.

Australia's Champions Trophy squad:

Steven Smith (captain),

Alex Carrigan, Maxwell Matt, Shaun Abbott, Ben Darwis, Jack Fraser-McGurk, Spencer Johnson, Tanvir Sangh, Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardy, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne.