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'Some Personal Views...': Mitchell Starc Spills Truth Behind Champions Trophy Absence

Soumyajit Dutta

Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc [Source: @RvelZahid/X.com]Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc [Source: @RvelZahid/X.com]

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Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has opened up about his decision to withdraw from Australia’s Champions Trophy squad, attributing it to lingering ankle discomfort and undisclosed “personal views.” The left-arm pacer, alongside Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh, was absent, leaving a significant void in Australia’s pace attack.

In their absence, Spencer Johnson, Ben Dwarshuis and Nathan Ellis have taken up the responsibility to dismantle opponents wit their pace. With fresh faces startling Australia's campaign, Starc revealed in a podcast why he missed it.

Mitchell Starc Cites Injury And Personal Priorities For CT Exit

Mitchell Starc, who recently featured in seven consecutive Test matches, including the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India and a tour of Sri Lanka, revealed on the Willow Talk podcast that managing his physical health took precedence. 

“There are a few different reasons, some personal views. I had a bit of ankle pain through the (Border-Gavaskar) Test series, so I just need to get that one right. Obviously, we have the Test (Championship) final coming up and a West Indies tour after that.”

The 35-year-old emphasized his focus on the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa in June, where Australia aims to defend their title. While acknowledging his Indian Premier League (IPL) commitments, Starc clarified his stand.

“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 get ready to go for the Test final. We find ourselves sitting with a chance to win it for the second time on the trot.”

Australia's Dominance In CT 2025

Despite the high-profile omissions, the batting unit rose to the occasion, steering Australia to a commanding victory over England in their tournament opener. However, their second group-stage match against South Africa was abandoned due to rain, leaving their semi-final hopes hinging on a must-win clash against Afghanistan.

Starc’s withdrawal underscores Australia’s strategic prioritization of the WTC final, even as they navigate the Champions Trophy with a reshaped squad. The team’s ability to adapt will be tested as they face Afghanistan for a must-win match on February 28.