MELBOURNE: Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Starc said a sore ankle and his “personal views” were behind his decision to pull out of the ICC Champions Trophy.

Starc was included in Australia’s squad but withdrew before the eight-nation ODI tournament started, citing personal reasons.

The 35-year-old left-armer told the “Willow Talk” podcast that he had ankle pain through the Test series against Sri Lanka, which Australia won 2-0, but it was not the only factor.

“There are a few different reasons, some personal views,” Starc said. “I had a bit of ankle pain through the Test series, 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 ready to go for the Test final.”

Defending champions Australia play South Africa in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June.

Starc did not elaborate on the personal views he was referring to regarding the Champions Trophy, which has returned to the crowded global cricket calendar after an eight-year hiatus.

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2025