Australia pacer Mitchell Starc is motivated by the competitive nature of cricket and hopes to extend his 16-year international career by a few more years, he said on Saturday, leaving the door open for a possible appearance at the 2027 World Cup.
The 36-year-old left-hander, Australia’s third-highest wicket-taker with 759 runs in the format – behind Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath – retired from Twenty20 internationals in September to extend his career in Test and 50-over cricket.
The next ODI World Cup will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October-November 2027.
“I’m very competitive, so I enjoy that aspect of cricket,” Starc told Reuters. “For Australia, I play with my best mates. I enjoy the hard work, but I also enjoy competing and it’s still fun.”
Starc, who is managing elbow and shoulder nickles, said his body is holding up well despite the demands of international cricket.
“There’s always something going on. I had a little bit of it in my elbow and shoulder, which is still manageable, but maybe a little less impact in T20 cricket,” he said.
“I’m still going OK after 16 years and hope there’s still a couple left.”
Mitchell Starc, who made his debut in Australia in 2010, currently plays for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League, where they are eighth in the 10-team table.
He was recently named man of the series in Australia’s 4-1 Ashes series win over England.
“It (the 2027 World Cup) is a long way down the road, but I hope to be there. The World Cup is always a goal for every cricketer,” he added.
“I’m out of T20 internationals, but I’m still enjoying my cricket. I’m not setting a deadline – I’ll see where the body is, where the cricket is.”