Starc elaborates on reasons behind Champions Trophy absence

Australia said at the time that Starc had withdrawn from the tournament due to personal reasons and they supported the move and the experienced quick has provided further clarity on why he isn't part of the Aussies' Champions Trophy campaign.

Starc elaborated on the topic when speaking on the Willow Talk podcast in Australia and the left-armer suggested that the main reason he decided not to play at the Champions Trophy was 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."

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