![Champions Trophy: Starc out, Steve Smith to lead Australia](https://decode11.com/media/2025/02/msid-118159804imgsize-49194-oobFGX-1024x576.jpeg)
Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from the ICC Champions Trophy for personal reasons, leaving Australia without their top fast bowlers. Steve Smith will captain the team, which includes next-generation quicks like Spencer Johnson and Nathan Ellis. Starc’s departure is supported by Cricket Australia, though the exact reasons remain undisclosed.