Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc Thursday said a sore ankle was the main issue that kept him out of the ongoing Champions Trophy, but “personal views” also factored into the decision.
The 35-year-old was a surprise omission from a depleted Australian squad, also missing injured strike partners Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, for the 50-over tournament in Pakistan and UAE.
Cricket Australia attributed Starc’s absence to unspecified “personal reasons”.
Speaking for the first time since his withdrawal, Starc said his primary concern was fitness after experiencing ankle pain during Australia’s two-Test series in Sri Lanka this month.
But he admitted it was not the only factor.
“There are a few different reasons, some personal views,” Starc said on the Willow Talk podcast, which was co-hosted by his wife, Australia captain Alyssa Healy.
He did not expand on what his “personal views” were around the tournament, which is being played under strict security measures.
“I had a bit of ankle pain through the (Sri Lanka) Test series,” Starc added.
“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.”
Starc was the only member of Australia’s “Big Three” fast bowling unit to play all of Australia’s last seven Tests against India and Sri Lanka and he has a busy calendar ahead.
He is set to play for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League next month before the WTC final at Lord’s against South Africa in June, followed by a three-Test tour of the West Indies.
