The money's nice, but I'd love to play 100 tests: Mitchell Starc on IPL

Mitchell Starc prioritizes international career over IPL and aims to play 100 Test matches for Australia

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc revealed that he has deliberately refrained from participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for an extended period in order to prioritize his international career and achieve the milestone of representing his country in 100 Test matches. Mitchell Starc, who was a crucial member of the victorious 2015 ODI World Cup squad and the 2021 T20 World Cup-winning team, is now focused on adding another significant achievement to his list of accolades. As he prepares to join the Australian team for the World Test Championship final against India at The Oval, commencing this Wednesday, Starc aims to make a memorable contribution to Australia's campaign in yet another ICC tournament.

"To choose not to do certain things to prolong playing for Australia, I've tried to be smart about that," Mitchell Starc, who has played only two editions of the IPL for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), told cricket.com.au.

"Yeah, the money's nice, but I'd love to play 100 Test matches. Whether I get there or not, I don't know, but that would be a nice one to tick off. Hopefully, there's a little bit left in me."

Mitchell Starc a proven performer in all formats

Since his debut in 2011, the left-arm paceman, now 33 years old, has showcased his skills in 77 Test matches, amassing an impressive record of 306 wickets at an average of 27.52. Additionally, he has proven his prowess in the limited-overs formats, featuring in 110 ODIs and 58 T20s, where he has claimed 219 and 73 wickets respectively.

"To play three formats for over 10 years, it's been a lot of pain along the way, but I'm grateful I've gotten that far. Whilst I've tried to add to the bow, as soon as I lose air speed, there's going to be someone chasing me. Once that next left-armer is coming through, yeah, I'm sure I'll know when I know."

Received criticism for recent performances

In recent years, Starc has faced significant criticism due to his underwhelming performances, prompting notable figures like the late Shane Warne to question his position in the team.

“That (media criticism) might have bothered me a few years ago, but I've certainly settled on a happy place where it doesn't bother me anymore," he said.

"If that's what people think, that's what they think … if I'm the whipping boy sometimes, that's fine. I'm certainly more comfortable in my own skin. Perspective is everything, and one of the biggest contributors to perspective is going through those tough times."