Why Mitchell Starc Is Missing Australia’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Clash Against Afghanistan?
By Smrati Khare 3 hours ago
Australia’s premier fast bowler Mitchell Starc is not featuring in today’s Champions Trophy 2025 Group Stage match, raising concerns among fans. Known for his lethal pace and wicket-taking ability in ICC tournaments, Starc’s absence is a big talking point as Australia faces a crucial encounter.
Why Is Mitchell Starc Not Playing?
Mitchell Starc has been ruled out of today’s match due to workload management and fitness concerns. The Australian team management has decided to rest Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, fielding a completely new-look pace attack for the tournament.
Key Reasons for Starc’s Absence:
Workload Management – Starc has had a packed schedule, including Tests against West Indies & New Zealand before the tournament.
Injury Precaution – While not seriously injured, Starc has been dealing with ankle pain, and Cricket Australia is ensuring he stays fit for upcoming fixtures.
Squad Rotation – Australia is testing its bench strength, allowing fresh pacers to step up on the big stage.
Australia’s Bowling Strategy Without Starc
With Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood all rested, Australia’s bowling attack in the Champions Trophy 2025 looks completely revamped.
Today’s Playing XI for Australia:
Matthew Short
Travis Head
Steve Smith (C)
Marnus Labuschagne
Josh Inglis (WK)
Alex Carey
Glenn Maxwell
Ben Dwarshuis
Nathan Ellis
Adam Zampa
Spencer Johnson
Who Replaces Starc in the Bowling Attack?
- Spencer Johnson – The left-arm quick gets his chance to shine on the international stage.
- Nathan Ellis – A reliable right-arm pacer known for his variations in T20 cricket.
- Ben Dwarshuis – A left-arm swing bowler who thrives in powerplay situations.
With no Starc leading the attack, Australia’s all-rounders like Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Short will also be expected to provide crucial overs.
How Does Starc’s Absence Affect Australia?
Starc’s experience and wicket-taking ability in ICC events have always been a major advantage for Australia. However, their new-look pace attack has already shown promise, successfully restricting England in a high-scoring run chase of 352.
Against Afghanistan, however, the bowlers will need to step up early to avoid any potential upset.
Afghanistan’s Key Players to Watch:
Ibrahim Zadran – Scored a record-breaking 177 against England.
Azmatullah Omarzai – A rising all-rounder with a five-wicket haul in the last game.
Rashid Khan & Noor Ahmad – World-class spinners who can trouble Australia’s batting lineup.
Australia’s Qualification Scenario
With one win in the tournament, Australia needs to secure a victory today to confirm their semi-final spot.
Possible Scenarios for Australia’s Semi-Final Qualification:
Win vs Afghanistan → Australia qualifies for the semis
Match washed out → Australia qualifies with 3 points
Loss vs Afghanistan → Qualification depends on net run rate (NRR)
Afghanistan, too, is fighting for a semi-final berth and will be highly motivated to secure a victory.
Final Thoughts
Mitchell Starc’s absence is a strategic move by Australia to keep him fresh for upcoming matches. However, the big question remains: Can Australia’s young pacers handle the pressure? Or will Afghanistan pull off another upset?
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