Melbourne, February 27 – Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has clarified that his decision to opt out of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan was primarily due to a sore ankle.
Speaking on the Willow Talk podcast, the 35-year-old left-arm pacer revealed that he had been experiencing ankle discomfort during the recent Test series in Sri Lanka, which influenced his call to sit out the tournament.
"There are a few different reasons, some personal views," Starc stated. "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 final Test. Get my body right, play some cricket in the next couple of months and then get ready to go for the (WTC) final."
Starc has been one of Australia's busiest fast bowlers this summer, featuring in seven Test matches against India and Sri Lanka. With a packed international schedule ahead, including the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord’s in June and a three-Test series against the West Indies, managing his fitness has become a priority.
Adding to his commitments, Starc will also feature in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL), representing Delhi Capitals.
