Mitchell Starc, the Australian fast bowler, has expressed his preference for playing 100 Test matches rather than participating in the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite having played only two seasons for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Starc values his international career and aims to represent Australia in a century of Test matches. With notable achievements in the 2015 ODI World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup, Starc is currently focused on the ongoing World Test Championship final against India.
Starc explained, “While the financial benefits of the IPL are appealing, I have made conscious decisions to extend my career playing for Australia. I have a strong desire to reach the milestone of 100 Test matches. Hopefully, I still have some cricket left in me.” Having already played 77 Tests since his debut in 2011, Starc has taken 306 wickets at an average of 27.52. He has also excelled in 110 ODIs and 58 T20s, claiming 219 and 73 wickets, respectively.
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Acknowledging the challenges of playing all three formats for over a decade, Starc admitted, “It has been a demanding journey, but I am grateful to have reached this point.” He understands the importance of maintaining his pace as new talents emerge in the game. In regard to media criticism, Starc stated, “I have reached a place of contentment where external opinions no longer bother me. If being the subject of scrutiny at times is part of the package, I am comfortable with it. I have grown more confident in my own abilities.”