Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc stated on Saturday that he is still motivated by the competitive spirit of cricket and expects to continue his 16-year international career for a few more years, leaving up the possibility of playing in the 2027 World Cup.
In order to extend his career in tests and 50-over cricket, the 36-year-old left-armer, who is Australia’s third-highest wicket-taker across formats with 759, behind only Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath, withdrew from Twenty20 internationals in September.
In October and November of 2027, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will host the next ODI World Cup.
“I’m pretty competitive, so I just enjoy that aspect of cricket,” Reuters quoted Starc telling reporters. “For Australia, I get to play with some of my best mates. I enjoy the hard work, but I also enjoy competing, and it’s still fun.”
Despite the rigors of playing international cricket, Starc, who has been dealing with elbow and shoulder pains, insisted his body was holding up nicely.
“There’s always something going on. I’ve had a bit of a niggle with my elbow and shoulder, which is still being managed, but there’s probably a little less impact in T20 cricket,” he said.
“I’m still going okay after 16 years and hopefully there are a couple more left.”
Currently playing for the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League, where they are ranked eighth out of ten teams, Starc made his debut for Australia in 2010. In Australia’s recent 4-1 Ashes victory over England, he was named player of the series.
“It’s (2027 World Cup) a long way down the road, but I’ll hopefully be there. The World Cup is always a goal for every cricketer. I’ve stepped away from T20 internationals, but I’m still enjoying my cricket. I don’t set timelines – I just see where the body is and where the cricket is,” he added.
