Mitchell Starc reveals reasons behind his Champions Trophy absence
What's the story
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc revealed that an ankle injury and personal beliefs led to his Champions Trophy withdrawal. Speaking on the Willow Talk podcast, he addressed his absence alongside Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, leaving Australia with an inexperienced pace attack. Despite this, Australia hold an edge with a win against England and a washed-out match against South Africa. Now, a victory against Afghanistan could secure their semi-final spot in the tournament. Here's more.
Priorities
Starc's focus shifts to World Test Championship final
Starc, who has often put his health on the line for the Australian team, is now focusing on the World Test Championship final against South Africa. "There's a few different reasons, some personal views, and had a bit of ankle pain through the Test series [against Sri Lanka]," Starc stated. "So just get that one right, obviously we've got the Test final coming up and a West Indies tour after that," he added.
Career milestones
Starc's upcoming milestones and IPL commitments
Starc is on the cusp of major career milestones. If he plays in the WTC final and all three Tests in West Indies, he will get his 100th cap in Jamaica in July He also needs 18 more wickets to complete 400 Test scalps. "There's some IPL cricket as well, but my main one top of my mind is that Test final," he stated. Apart from his Test commitments, Starc also has a contract with Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025.
WTC perspective
Starc's views on the World Test Championship format
Starc revealed his initial doubts about the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) but conceded that its significance increased when Australia missed out due to a slow over-rate. He said, "The first one being a new concept, I was like, what's this all about? We're trying to win every Test match, and then we got close to it and we missed out." m"I think the format needs some tinkering still," he added.
Injuries
Australia's Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood ruled out of Champions Trophy
As mentioned, Australia suffered a major setback ahead of the ongoing Champions Trophy, with their star pacers ruled out due to injuries. Australia further suffered multiple blows after all-rounder Mitchell Marsh withdrew due to a back injury. Meanwhile, Marcus Stoinis announced his ODI retirement after being named in the initial CT squad. Cummins continues to deal with an ankle problem that emerged during the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Hazlewood, meanwhile, is nursing a calf injury.
Stats
A look at the pacer's ODI and Test numbers
In 127 ODIs, the pacer has amassed 244 scalps at an average of 23.40. He also boasts an economy rate of 5.26, taking 12 four-wicket hauls and nine five-wicket hauls. According to ESPNcricinfo, his best ODI bowling figures read 6/28. As mentioned, he's just 18 scalps away from 400 Test scalps across 96 Tests. He averages 27.57 and owns the best bowling inning of 6/48, and the best bowling match figures of 11/94.
Match recap
Australia hammer England, register highest successful run-chase in Champions Trophy
Australia scripted history after beating England in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. The Men in Yellow chased down 352, now the highest successful run-chase in Champions Trophy history. Ton-up Josh Inglis and Alex Carey powered the Aussies after they were down to 136/4. Earlier, Ben Duckett's record-breaking 165 propelled England to their highest-ever total in the 50-over tournament.
Information
Australia's 2nd match against South Africa got abandoned
As mentioned, the Group B fixture between Australia and South Africa was washed out on February 25. Incessant rain led to the match being called off without toss. As per Cricbuzz, the venue saw rain since morning, which made the job of ground staff difficult.