Is Mitchell Starc Ready to Milk His Body for Test Cricket?
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Synopsis
In an exclusive interview, Australia’s Mitchell Starc reveals his strategic retirement from T20Is to extend his Test career. With eyes set on the 2027 World Cup, Starc shares insights on prioritizing formats and the future of the Australian T20I team. Discover his thoughts on maintaining top performance in Tests while supporting ODI ambitions.
Key Takeaways
- Mitchell Starc retires from T20Is to focus on Test cricket.
- He aims for a strong performance in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
- Starc believes prioritizing Tests is crucial for his career sustainability.
- The current Australian T20I team is in a solid position.
- Starc acknowledges the importance of communication with team leadership.
Sydney, Sep 5 (NationPress) Australia’s fast bowler Mitchell Starc recently announced his retirement from T20 internationals, a strategic move to safeguard his body for Test cricket. He contemplated stepping back from one of the two white-ball formats but chose to remain in ODIs, focusing on the upcoming 2027 World Cup.
Having made his T20 international debut in 2012, Starc declared his retirement from the shorter format last week to extend his career in Tests and aim for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
"For lack of a better term, I want to maximize my body as much as I can for as much Test cricket as possible. That was never going to be off the table. I just felt like one of the other formats had to give," Starc stated.
"I believe I have a lot to contribute to the ODI team, and my goal is to prepare my body for 2027. I also want to ensure I am good enough to be selected for the World Cup in 2027. I felt like this was my best chance to extend my Test career while aiming for that World Cup.
"If I wasn't going to be in contention for 2027, then I didn't want to block someone else's opportunity. I still feel I have a lot to bring to the ODI team. I had been considering this for some time. At 35, Tests have always been my priority, and they will continue to be," Starc told cricket.com.au on Friday.
He expressed confidence in the Australia T20I squad as they prepare for next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. "The T20 team appears well-structured with the new players who have made significant contributions," he remarked.
"Nathan Ellis is performing excellently, Ben Dwarshuis has been impactful, and Spencer (Johnson) has also shown promise when given the chance, along with Sean Abbott. I believe that team is in a great position, and I don’t want to disrupt that."
Starc concluded by mentioning he could have informed captain Mitchell Marsh about his retirement from T20Is ahead of time. "I probably should have called Mitch. He texted me, saying he found out through Instagram. I felt guilty about that as I didn’t inform the captain directly."
Point of View
Starc's decision is a commendable move reflecting a deep understanding of personal health and team strategy. While the T20I format is crucial, prioritizing Test cricket allows for a more sustainable career. This balance showcases Starc's commitment to excellence, ensuring he remains an asset to the Australian team.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Mitchell Starc retire from T20Is?
Mitchell Starc retired from T20 internationals to preserve his body for a longer Test career and focus on the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup.
What are Starc's future cricket goals?
Starc aims to prolong his Test career while remaining competitive in ODIs, with a specific focus on the 2027 World Cup.
How does Starc feel about the current T20I team?
Starc believes the T20I team is well-structured and in a strong position leading up to the next year’s T20 World Cup.
Did Starc inform his captain about his retirement?
Starc admitted he should have informed captain Mitchell Marsh ahead of time, feeling guilty for Marsh discovering the news through Instagram.
What has been Starc's focus in recent years?
Starc has consistently prioritized Test cricket throughout his career, aiming to maximize his contributions in that format.
