Left-armer's decision to skip the Champions Trophy was about prioritising the World Test Championship final
Ankle pain behind Starc's Champions Trophy withdrawal
Mitchell Starc says a desire to fix a sore ankle was his main motivation for skipping the Champions Trophy but has revealed unspecified "personal views" also factored into the decision.
Starc became the last member of Australia's first-choice pace attack to pull out of the tournament a fortnight ago, with officials stating it was for "personal reasons".
The 35-year-old has played more cricket than any other Australian quick this summer, featuring in seven Test matches against India and Sri Lanka.
That has understandably left Starc both physically and mentally fatigued, after overcoming rib soreness to play at the SCG last month and battling ankle pain in Sri Lanka.
Australia have a busy calendar ahead, with the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's in June before a three-Test tour of the Caribbean.
Starc will also fly to India next month to play for Delhi Capitals in the IPL, after having long knocked back the riches of the tournament to prioritise being at his peak for Australia.
Speaking for the first time since withdrawing from Australia's trip to Pakistan, Starc listed his fitness as his primary concern after experiencing pain in his ankle in Sri Lanka.
But while he would have likely missed the tournament on that alone, Starc did admit it was not the only factor.
"There are a few different reasons, some personal views," Starc said on the Willow Talk podcast.
"I had a bit of ankle pain through the Test series, so I just need to get that one right. Obviously, we have the Test 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."
Starc did not expand on his "personal views" around the tournament, while Cricket Australia have previously stated they support and understand his decision to not play.
Controversy has surrounded the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, which is being played under some of the strictest security measures ever seen for a global ICC event.
Much like on Australia's Test tour in 2022, players have been confined to heavily locked-down hotels, only leaving under a security escort for training and games.
There has been some questions from critics about the advantage handed to India, who are playing all their games in the UAE after refusing to enter Pakistan on security grounds.
Beyond the on-field advantage they have been able to claim by playing all matches in Dubai, travel has also not been a factor for India.
Crucially, India's players have been able to operate without the same security lockdown imposed upon players from the other seven teams in Pakistan.
But Australian captain Steve Smith said his team had still been able to hit the golf course during their downtime between training and matches.
"We've been able to fit in a few rounds of golf fortunately as well to keep our boys up and about," he said following Australia's washed-out clash with South Africa.
"Not ideal with the rain today but can't do much about it, we'll move on to the next one."
A win against Afghanistan on Friday night in Lahore will ensure Australia progress to a semi-final, after a mammoth chase against England and splitting the points with South Africa.
Beyond Starc, Australia expect to have Pat Cummins (ankle) and Josh Hazlewood (calf) back available for their World Test Championship defence against the Proteas on June 11.
"I remember (when it was introduced) thinking it doesn't mean much," Starc said.
"But we got close to it and missed out and watching it on TV we wanted to be part of it.
"Now we find ourselves sitting with a chance to win it for the second time on the trot.
"I think the format needs some tinkering still ... it's an imperfect system, but two really good teams will be facing off in the final."
2025 ICC Men's Champions Trophy
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Australia's Group B fixtures
February 22: beat England by five wickets (15 balls remaining)
February 25: Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi (8pm AEDT)
February 28: Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore (8pm AEDT)
March 4: Semi-final 1, Dubai (8pm AEDT)
March 5: Semi-final 2, Lahore (8pm AEDT)
March 9: Final, Lahore or Dubai (8pm AEDT)
Australia squad: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Spencer Johnson, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matt Short, Adam Zampa. Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly
2025 ICC men's Champions Trophy standings
Round 1
Group A
| Team | M | W | L | T | N/R | NRR | Ded. | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
IND
|
3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.715 | 0 | 6 |
|
2
NZ
|
3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.267 | 0 | 4 |
|
3
BAN
|
3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | -0.443 | 0 | 1 |
|
4
PAK
|
3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | -1.087 | 0 | 1 |
M: Matches played
W: Wins
L: Losses
T: Ties
N/R: No results
NRR: Net Run Rate
Ded.: Deductions
PTS: Total points
Group B
| Team | M | W | L | T | N/R | NRR | Ded. | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
SA
|
3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2.395 | 0 | 5 |
|
2
AUS
|
3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.475 | 0 | 4 |
|
3
AFG
|
3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -0.99 | 0 | 3 |
|
4
ENG
|
3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | -1.159 | 0 | 0 |
M: Matches played
W: Wins
L: Losses
T: Ties
N/R: No results
NRR: Net Run Rate
Ded.: Deductions
PTS: Total points