Australia's pace ace Mitchell Starc has opened up behind the reasons of withdrawing from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He says fixing a sore ankle was his main motivation behind the decision.

Mitchell Starc Mitchell Starc, 35, has played more Cricket than any other pacers in the Australian summer as he featured in the all 7 matches Australia have played against India and in Sri Lanka. That has understandably left Starc both physically and mentally fatigued. While Australia have a busy Test calendar ahead, playing at the WTC final against South Africa and then a three-match Test series in West Indies before the high-octane Ashes series against their arch-rivals at home.

Speaking for the first time since his withdrawal from the ICC Champions Trophy, Starc says prioritising his fitness was the main motivation behind his decision.

"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."