The team would be missing its three frontline quicks for the ODI event in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates due to Mitchell Starc, an Australian fast bowler, withdrawing from the Champions Trophy for personal reasons.
After speed mainstays Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins were ruled out with injuries, Starc withdrew.
In their quest for additional ODI hardware, world champions Australia will now rely on a quartet of periphery fast bowlers: Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Ben Dwarshuis, and Sean Abbott.
Starc will also not be available for the two ODI warm-up matches against Sri Lanka in Colombo, the first of which is scheduled to begin later on Wednesday, according to selectors.
Selector George Bailey issued a statement on Wednesday. “We understand and respect Mitch’s decision,” he added.
“Obviously, his loss is a blow.”
