Image: Mitchell Starc's wife Alyssa Healy dismissed the rumors about her pregnancy / © CricBouncer
Just before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has opted out of the tournament, citing personal reasons. His withdrawal follows those of fellow Australian fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, both ruled out due to injuries. This has sparked speculation about the reason behind Starc’s decision, with many assuming that his wife, Australia women’s team captain Alyssa Healy, might be pregnant.
However, Healy dismissed these rumors on the Willow Talk podcast, stating that she is not expecting and that Starc is simply taking a much-needed break after playing seven consecutive Test matches, including series against India and Sri Lanka. She reassured fans that both she and Starc are fine, and there is no injury concern for the left-arm pacer. She said:
I’m fine. Hadds (Brad Haddin) suggested maybe I was pregnant, but I can guarantee that I’m not. Yeah, we’re fine. Don’t look at me; I don’t know anything about it. I haven’t asked him about it yet. He’s fine, everyone. I am fine, more importantly. Yeah, we are fine. Move on.
Cricket Australia (CA) has supported Starc’s decision, with Chairman of Selectors George Bailey acknowledging his commitment to the national team and his history of playing through injuries. While Starc’s absence is a blow for Australia, it provides an opportunity for another player to step up in the Champions Trophy, where the team begins their campaign against England on February 22 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.