Mitchell Starc returns from injury to form part of a five-man pace attack in Australia’s ICC Champions Trophy squad. 

With the Champions Trophy drawing closer, Australia released their squad for the tournament, ladened with fast bowlers.

Australia suffered a scare regarding the availability of Starc, James Pattinson and John Hastings, but their recovery from injury will see them joining Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins in a five-man pace attack.

Starc picked up a stress fracture in his right foot in Australia’s Test series in India last month, which threatened his place in Champions Trophy side, but he has since fully recovered to claim back his spot in the ODI squad.

‘Both James and John have made very good returns from injury, and are bowling well for their respective teams… as well as both contributing well with the bat,’ chief selector Trevor Hohns said.

‘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.’

Chris Lynn has also been named in the squad, after recovering from a third shoulder injury he picked up during an IPL match for the Kolkata Knight Riders.

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

All-rounder Moises Henriques, who has shown promise in the IPL with the Sunrisers Hyderabad, has also been recalled to the side, having last played in the ODI series against Sri Lanka in August last year.

‘Moises finished off the domestic season very well and has had a great start in the IPL,’ Hohns said.

‘We believe Moises’ batting has improved significantly in the past six months, and he will provide us with a strong option should he be selected.’

Australia will depart for England on May 18, with the remaining players in the IPL to join as their teams finish in the tournament.

Australia squad: Steve Smith (captain), David Warner, 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.