Healy Clarifies Starc’s Withdrawal Amid Personal Reasons Rumors

Healy declares “we’re getting stronger” | 01:45

Alyssa Healy has cleared the air amid claims she may be pregnant after her husband Mitchell Starc withdrew from the Champions Trophy squad.

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Starc joined fellow bowling stars Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood in withdrawing from the Champions Trophy this week, in a huge blow to Australia’s chances of winning the One Day International tournament that begins on February 19.

Both Cummins and Hazlewood are injured, whereas Starc was omitted from the squad due to undisclosed ‘personal reasons’.

Starc pulling out was a big surprise given the 35-year-old played seven Tests in a row, all five in the series against India and both against Sri Lanka.

His absence from the Champions Trophy sparked rumours Healy may be pregnant, with online sleuths believing everything pointed to a little one being on the way.

Last year India captain Virat Kohli stepped away in similar circumstances for “personal reasons” when his wife was pregnant.

And that along with the fact Healy and Starc purchased their $24m Terrey Hills estate Charlotte Park last year, fans and colleagues were convinced exciting baby news was on the way.

However, Healy put that talk to bed on the ‘Willow Talk’ podcast on Wednesday afternoon, with the Aussie women’s cricket star assuring fans that both she and her husband are fine and she definitely wasn’t pregnant.

“I’m fine,” she said. “Hadds (Brad Haddin) suggested maybe I was pregnant but I can guarantee that I’m not. Yeah we’re fine.”

It comes after earlier this week chairman of selectors George Bailey said Starc’s call to withdraw from the squad. was fully supported by Cricket Australia.

Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc of Australia pose for a photo with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Trophy (Photo by Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

“We understand and respect Mitch’s decision,” Bailey said.

“Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia.

“His well-documented ability to play through pain and adversity, as well as forgoing opportunities in other parts of his career to put his country first, should be applauded.

“His loss is of course a blow for the Champions Trophy campaign but does provide an opportunity to someone else to make a mark on the tournament.”

Starc was the only fast bowler used in both Tests against Sri Lanka in Galle, where he took six wickets on the spin-friendly deck.

Mitchell Starc and Alyssa Healy (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

And his absence is a huge blow for Australia in their attempt to claim the Champions Trophy for the first time since 2009.

The likes of Spencer Johnson, Sean Abbott and Ben Dwarshius will carry the fast-bowling load in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.

While Steve Smith will captain the new-look team in place of Cummins.

Australia will play its first match of the Champions Trophy against England on February 22 in Lahore.