Legendary Australia speedster Mitchell Starc revealed that he opted out of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for a few reasons. He said that the main reason was sore ankle, but "personal views" also played a role. Starc was initially part of Australia's preliminary squad for the marquee event but the speedster opted out before the tournament.
After Starc's decision, Australia said that the speedster had withdrawn from the tournament due to personal reasons and they supported the move the experienced quick has provided further clarity on why he isn't part of the Aussies' Champions Trophy campaign.
He revealed that the main reason he is missing the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is to ensure he would be available to feature in the ICC World Test Championship Final against South Africa in London in June.
"There are a few different reasons, some personal views," Starc said.
"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."
Australia have featured in two league matches of the Champions Trophy where they won the first group stage match against arch-rivals England and their second clash against South Africa had been washed out. The ODI World Cup winners will now face Afghanistan for their third league match which is scheduled to take place on February 28 at Gadaffi Stadium.