The fast launcher Mitchell Starc revealed the reason for the safeguard of several editions of the Indian Premier League (IPL) before its 100th test for Australia against the Antilles. Starc said he has prioritized test cricket on the franchise leagues, in particular given the physical requirements of the red ball cricket.
Mitchell Starc will play his 100th test match for Australia in Kingston, from July 12. It will just become the second Australian fast launcher, after Glenn McGrath, to reach the brand of 100 tests. Starc took 395 test counters and has a chance to join the Elite 400 window club in this historic match.
The test cricket was probably the most difficult format – Mitchell Starc
Addressing the media before his 100th test, Mitchell Starc said he had no regrets on the missing franchise cricket to focus on the tests. He said Test Cricket was the most difficult format for him to prove himself.
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“Testing Cricket was probably the most difficult format to feel that I was quite good or that I felt like I was able to do. To get this opportunity, I was not going to let it go at all. The years I missed the franchise cricket, I do not regret it at all,” said Starc.
Australia has already obtained the three-game test series against the Antilles, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead. They won the first test by 159 points and followed it with a 133 -point victory in the second match. The third and last test should start on July 13.
This is the reason why I did these things – Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc said he had decided to skip franchise cricket to stay in good physical shape for Australia and spend quality time at home with his wife, Alyssa Healy, and his family. Starc said he would not change any of the choices he made along the way.
“So that my body is in a good place possible for Australia to play 99 games, spend a little time at home, spend time with Alyssa [Healy] and the family. This is the reason why I did these things. Whether paid now, being a few days to play 100, or the series wins or the test match wins, thinking about it, I would not change it, ” Starc mentioned.
Mitchell Starc jumped franchise cricket to stay in shape for Australia
Starc, who made his test debut in 2011, chose to stay away from the franchise cricket for several years to maintain the physical form of international tasks.
The left arm stimulator played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 2015 and 2016 IPL seasons, but retired from the 2017 edition. It was chosen by Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2018, but an injury excluded it.
Starc made its IPL return in 2024 with KKR, playing an essential role in their victory in the title, and then joined the Capitals of Delhi after the 2025 Mega-Environment.
Although IPL IPL is missing over the years, Starc has been an integral part of Australia’s successes, including victories in the ODI World Cup, the T20 World Cup and the World Test Championship.
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