Australia's bid to win the Champions Trophy was a dealt a major setback Wednesday with their formidable pace attack of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood all ruled out.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Cummins (ankle) and Hazlewood (side and calf) were always unlikely to play, but Starc has also withdrawn for personal reasons.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Steve Smith will captain the team after standing in for Cummins during their two-Test thrashing of Sri Lanka this month.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 15-man squad is also without all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who retired from the 50-over game last week, and Mitchell Marsh who was previously omitted with a back issue.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"The squad has changed significantly over the past month on the back of some untimely injuries and the retirement of Marcus Stoinis," said chief selector George Bailey.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"A strong core of some our most experienced players will provide a strong foundation in our attempt to win this edition of the Champions Trophy," he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We have a range of options to shape the playing XI within the tournament depending on the opposition and conditions we face."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Starc was the only member of the "Big Three" fast bowling attack to play all seven Tests against India and Sri Lanka across the current Australian summer.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bailey said he respected Starc's decision, with the reasons for his withdrawal to remain private.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia," he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"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."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Starc will also miss the two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka starting in Colombo later Wednesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The loss of Australia's long-time pace attack has opened the door for the likes of Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis and Ben Dwarshuis.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Aaron Hardie takes over as the seaming all-rounder while emerging leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha was included to complement Adam Zampa.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The eight-nation Champions Trophy, between February 19 and March 9, will be played in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.<\/p>\r\n\r\n