Starc opens up about CT withdrawal

Australia's premier fast bowler Mitchell Starc has shed light on the reasons behind his withdrawal from the squad for the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

In a recent interview, Starc cited a sore ankle as the primary factor keeping him out of the tournament but also hinted that "personal views" played a role in his decision.

"My main concern was fitness after experiencing ankle pain during Australia's two-Test series in Sri Lanka this month," Starc said on the Willow Talk podcast, which was co-hosted by his wife, Australia captain Alyssa Healy.

However, the 34-year-old pacer acknowledged that fitness was not the only factor behind his absence. "There are a few different reasons, including some personal views," he admitted.

He did not elaborate on what those "personal views" were, though the tournament is being played under strict security measures.

"I had a bit of ankle pain through the (Sri Lanka) Test series," he said. "So I just need to get that one right. Obviously, we have the (World Test Championship) final coming up and a West Indies tour after that."

"There is some IPL cricket as well."

"But the main one at the top of my mind is the Test final. Get my body right, play some cricket in the next couple of months and then be ready to go for the Test final," he concluded.

For the unversed, the Smith-led Kangaroos in the current tournament are playing without their key players, including Starc, captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Marsh and Josh Hazlewood.

Despite missing some of their biggest names, the Kangaroos started their Champions Trophy campaign with a stunning victory over England at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium.