Australia has suffered a major setback due to Mitchell Starc suddenly out of the Champions Trophy. Already regular captain Pat Cummins and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood were not participating in the tournament due to injury, and now being out of Stark has weakened the strength of Australia’s pace bowling attack. Stark described himself as unavailable for the Champions Trophy and cited personal reasons behind it. There was some speculation that his wife Alyssa Heli, who is the captain of the Australia Women’s team, is pregnant. However, Heli has dismissed these speculations outright.
Talking on the Willon Talk Podcast, he said, “I don’t know, don’t ask me this question (laughing). I have not asked him about this. ” He also clarified, “He went on a tour of Sri Lanka and played there throughout the tour. We are both fine. Heads said that perhaps I am pregnant, but I guarantee that I am not. We are both fine, just move forward. “
Stark played all 5 matches of the Border Gavaskar Trophy against India before the Sri Lanka tour, in which Australia suffered a 3–1 defeat.
Australian chief selector George Bailey said that the team fully respects Stark’s decision. He said, “We understand Mich’s decision and respect him. We appreciate Mich’s commitment to international cricket and his performance for Australia. ”
This time Australia will be in the hands of Steve Smith, and the team is looking very weak on paper for the tournament starting in Pakistan from 20 February. The team may have difficulties with other fast bowlers such as Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis, Seam Abbott and Ben Divisionis.
