Regarding Mitchell Starc's exclusion from Australia's Champions Trophy roster, Alyssa Healy has clarified that both players are doing well. On Wednesday, February 12, Starc joined Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh on the sidelines after deciding to rule himself out of Australia's team. Due to injury, Cummins, Hazlewood, and Marsh were ruled out of the competition.
Healy on Starc's withdrawal
However, Starc made the decision to skip the competition for personal reasons. Given that the Australian women's team wicketkeeper had also withdrawn from the forthcoming Women's Premier League season, many conjectured that Starc and Healy were expecting. During her appearance on the Willow Talk podcast, Healy initially made a joke about not having questioned Starc about his decision to withdraw from the event before claiming that he was OK and only needed to rest. Healy would also attest to the fact that she was not pregnant.
"I’m fine. Hadds (Brad Haddin) suggested maybe I was pregnant but I can guarantee that I’m not. Yeah we’re fine," said Healy.
George Bailey on Starc's decision
Cricket Australia backed Starc's decision to skip the Champions Trophy, saying they respected and appreciated the pacer's decision, according to George Bailey.
"We understand and respect Mitch’s decision. Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia," said the chair of the national selection panel George Bailey.
Australia will be starting their campaign in the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy on February 22 with the clash against England.
Australia squad for Champions Trophy
Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa. Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly.