Why Mitchell Starc Isn’t Playing in Today’s 4th ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Match Against England?

In a major blow to Australia’s bowling attack, Mitchell Starc is not playing in today’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash against England in Lahore. The left-arm fast bowler, known for his lethal swing and match-winning performances, has withdrawn from the tournament, leaving Australia without its most experienced pacer.

With Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood also missing, Australia’s pace attack looks significantly different from what fans expected.

So, why is Mitchell Starc not playing today? Is it an injury concern, personal decision, or a strategic move? Let’s find out.

Why Is Mitchell Starc Not Playing Today?

1. Mitchell Starc Withdraws for Personal Reasons

• Mitchell Starc has pulled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to personal reasons, as confirmed by Cricket Australia.
• The team management has respected his decision and has not provided further details.
• With no official injury report, it appears Starc’s withdrawal is unrelated to fitness issues.

2. Australia’s Injury Woes – Starc Joins Cummins & Hazlewood on the Sidelines

• Pat Cummins (ankle injury) and Josh Hazlewood (side strain) were ruled out earlier, leaving Australia without their three most experienced fast bowlers.
• This forces Australia to rely on an inexperienced pace attack against a strong England batting lineup.

3. Tactical Squad Rotation?

• Though Starc’s absence is not officially linked to squad rotation, Australia’s coaching staff might have considered alternative pace options for future matches.
• With a long tournament ahead, Australia needs to carefully manage its bowling resources.

Australia’s Adjusted Playing XI Against England

With Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood out, Australia has named the following playing XI:

Batters: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Steven Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey
All-rounder: Glenn Maxwell
Bowlers: Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa

Ben Dwarshuis and Spencer Johnson make their Champions Trophy debuts, forming a new-look pace attack alongside Nathan Ellis.

How Does Starc’s Absence Affect Australia?

1. Inexperienced Bowling Attack Faces a Big Test

• Without Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood, Australia’s pace attack lacks experience, which could be a major challenge against England’s aggressive batting order.

2. More Responsibility on Glenn Maxwell & Adam Zampa

• With no Starc to handle powerplay and death overs, Maxwell and Zampa will have to control the middle overs and pick up key wickets.

3. Australia’s Batters Must Step Up

• Starc’s late-order hitting will also be missed, making it crucial for Australia’s top order—led by Smith, Head, and Labuschagne—to deliver strong performances.

Toss Update – Australia Wins the Toss & Fields First

Toss Result: Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first.

Steven Smith (Australia Captain):
“We’re gonna have a bowl. Looks like a good surface with a bit of dew. We’d like to chase later on. Carey has been batting brilliantly, and we’ll try to utilize the swing up top.”

Jos Buttler (England Captain):
“We would have batted first, but it’s a 50-50 decision. The pitch looks good. We’re excited, and Jamie Smith is a great talent.”

Will Mitchell Starc Play in the Next Matches?

• Since Starc has withdrawn from the tournament, he won’t be available for any of Australia’s Champions Trophy matches.
• Australia will have to rely on its young pacers for the remainder of the competition.

Final Thoughts – Can Australia Handle England Without Starc?

With Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood all missing, Australia is facing a tough challenge. The new-look bowling attack must step up today, while the batting unit needs to deliver under pressure.

What do you think? Can Australia handle England without Mitchell Starc? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

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