Aussies must fill some giant gaps

BAILEY: DEATH BOWLING LOOMS AS A MAJOR CONCERN

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An Australia team struggling for confidence and missing the wealth of experience that has long been the backbone of their success face a daunting task to win a first Champions Trophy title since 2009.

The World Cup holders are without their "Big Three" pacemen Pat Cummins (ankle), Josh Hazlewood (hip) and Mitchell Starc, who has opted out for personal reasons.

It is a giant hole to fill with the trio sharing 525 ODI wickets across a combined 308 games.

Add in the absence of all-rounders Mitchell Marsh (back) and Marcus Stoinis (retired), and half of their regular team is missing.

Leg-spinner Adam Zampa is the only frontline bowler still standing for the tournament in Pakistan and Dubai.