Australia pacer Mitchell Starc and big-hitting batsman Chris Lynn have been included in their team’s 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy in June, despite both the players nursing injuries.
Other notable inclusions are pacers James Pattinson and John Hastings while James Faulkner has been dropped, along with Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb and Shaun Marsh.
If Starc recuperates in time for the tournament, Australia will have a strong pace bowling attack including the likes of Starc, Pattinson, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. Starc is currently recovering from a fractured foot which he picked up during the series against India.
Hard-hitting batsman Chris Lynn, who lit up the Indian Premier League before sustaining a shoulder injury, has also been included in the squad.
“Our medical staff will continue to monitor Mitchell (Starc) and Chris’ (Lynn) recovery from their respective injuries, but we are hopeful they will be fit in time for the team’s departure on May 18,” said selector Trevor Hohns to cricket.com.au. “Both James and John have made very good returns from injury and are bowling well for their respective teams in the English County competition as well as both contributing well with the bat.”
Hohns added, “When you also add Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins to the fast bowling artillery it becomes a very exciting proposition for Australian cricket.”
Australia have won the Champions Trophy twice, once in 2006 and once in 2009.
Squad: Steve Smith (c), David Warner (vice captain), Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, John Hastings, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa
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