Steve Smith will take the reins for Pakistan tou ament that will feature none of Australia's 'big three' fast bowlers

Australia's bid to lift the ICC Champions Trophy for the first time since 2009 will be made with any entirely new-look pace bowling line-up after Mitchell Starc withdrew from this month's tou ament in Pakistan and UAE for personal reasons.



Starc, who was the only member of Australia's 'big three' fast bowling attack to play all seven Tests against India and Sri Lanka across the current summer, joins captain Pat Cummins (ankle) and fellow quick Josh Hazlewood on the sidelines for the upcoming event.

It means Australia, who will be captained at the tou ament by Steve Smith, will be missing all three frontline fast bowlers from the outfit that carried them to the 50-over World Cup triumph in India just over a year ago, as well as injured allrounders Mitchell Marsh (back) and Marcus Stoinis who suddenly quit ODI cricket last week.

Australia Champions Trophy squad: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey,  Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Ma us Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.

Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly.

Starc, who will not be commenting about his decision and has asked for privacy, looked to be in discomfort with a left ankle issue in bowling just four overs during Sri Lanka's second innings of last week's final Test at Galle.

It is understood he retu ed to Australia in the immediate aftermath of that game which means he will also miss the two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka starting in Colombo today.

While the reasons for Starc's withdrawal remain private, Cricket Australia has expressed their full support for the 35-year-old who stands on the cusp of 100 Test appearances (currently 96) and 400 Test wickets (now 382).

'We understand and respect Mitch’s decision,” chair of the national selection panel George Bailey said today.

'Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to inte ational cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia.

'His well-documented ability to play through pain and adversity, as well as forgoing opportunities in other parts of his career to put his country first should be applauded.