Mitchell Starc, one of Australia’s fast bowlers, said on Thursday that he missed the Champions Trophy mainly because of a sore ankle, but he also had some personal reasons. For the 50-over tournament in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, the 35-year-old was left out of the team, which was already short-handed as injured players Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were not available. Cricket Australia mentioned “personal reasons” for his absence.
After feeling ankle pain during Australia’s two-Test series in Sri Lanka last month, Starc said for the first time since his withdrawal that his main priority is staying fit. However, he admitted that the ankle pain was not the only reason. On the Willow Talk podcast, co-hosted by his wife, Australia captain Alyssa Healy, he said, “There are a few different reasons, some personal views.” He did not explain further about his personal views on the tournament, which is being held in a very secure setting.
Starc added, “I had some ankle pain during the Sri Lanka Test series. I just need to take care of that. Clearly, we have the World Test Championship final coming up, a tour of the West Indies after that, and there is also some IPL cricket. But my main focus is the Test final. I want to get my body fit, play some cricket in the next couple of months, and then be ready for the final.”
Starc has a busy schedule ahead. He was the only one among Australia’s top three fast bowlers to play in all seven of the recent Test matches against India and Sri Lanka. Before the World Test Championship final against South Africa in June at Lord’s and a three-Test tour of the West Indies, he is also set to play for the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League next month.
