Mitchell Starc, the Australian fast bowler, finally spoke up about being unable to feature in the ongoing Champions Trophy, saying that the main reason was the sore ankle of his but he also threw a little insight hinting some “personal views” coaxed him in that direction.
Starc’s omission from the already depleted squad with fellow pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood nursing injuries came as a big surprise.
“Personal reasons” were the terminology Cricket Australia used to categorize Starc’s absence.
For the first time since he withdrew, Starc cited concern about his fitness following some ankle pain during Australia’s two-Test series in Sri Lanka this month.
But he did admit there were other reasons.
“There are a few different reasons put into it up for personal views,” Starc said on the Willow Talk podcast, co-hosted by his wife, Australia captain Alyssa Healy.
He did not elaborate on what those “personal views” were regarding the tournament, which was taking place under strict security measures.
“I had a bit of ankle pain during the (Sri Lanka) Test series,” he added.
“So now I just have to make sure I’ve got that right. Obviously, leading into the World Test Championship final and a tour to the West Indies after that.
“There’s some IPL cricket as well.
“But the main one that comes to mind is the Test final, get my body right, play some cricket over the next couple of months, and then get ready for the Test final.”
Starc remained the only member of Australia’s so-called “Big Three” fast-bowling unit to have played all of the last seven Tests against India and Sri Lanka, albeit a busy schedule lies ahead.
The coming month sees him preparing for matches with the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League, followed closely by the WTC final against South Africa at Lord’s in June. This will then lead into a three-match Test tour of the West Indies.
