Australia announce Champions Trophy squad, batsmen around the world should fasten their helmets

Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Starc and batsman Chris Lynn have been named as part of a formidable squad for next month’s Champions Trophy in England and Wales despite nursing injuries.

Starc was forced to pull out midway through the India tour last month with a fractured foot while Lynn has been sidelined with a shoulder injury during the Indian Premier League. Both are expected to be fit for Australia’s opener on June 2 against New Zealand.

“Our medical staff will continue to monitor Mitchell and Chris’s recovery from their respective injuries but we are hopeful they will be fit in time for the team’s departure on May 18,” selector Trevor Hohns said in a media release.

James Faulkner, man-of-the-match in the 2015 World Cup final against New Zealand, has been omitted from the 15-man squad named on Thursday, with selectors opting for all-rounders Moises Henriques, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis.

Young fast bowler Pat Cummins and James Pattinson, on the comeback trail after suffering stress fractures in his back, were included in an imposing pace battery along with Josh Hazlewood and John Hastings.

“Both James and John have made very good returns from injury and are bowling well for their respective teams in the English …read more