Mitchell Starc eyes IPL comeback, reveals reason behind his Champions Trophy withdrawal | Cricket News

Mitchell Starc said “sore ankle” was the main reason behind his withdrawal from the ongoing Champions Trophy.
“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.
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“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.”
Starc will make a comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he will play for Delhi Capitals. Australia have a busy calendar ahead, with the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s in June before a three-Test tour of the Caribbean.
Australia are also expecting to have Pat Cummins (ankle), Josh Hazlewood (calf) and Mitchell Starc back available for their World Test Championship defence against the Proteas on June 11.
“I remember (when it was introduced) thinking it doesn’t mean much,” Starc said.Story continues below this ad
“But we got close to it and missed out and watching it on TV we wanted to be part of it.
“Now we find ourselves sitting with a chance to win it for the second time on the trot.
“I think the format needs some tinkering still … it’s an imperfect system, but two really good teams will be facing off in the final.”