The veteran Australian stimulator Mitchell Starc is preparing for an elite group when he enters Western India on Sunday in the third test in Sabina Park and after Glenn McGrath becomes only the second Australian fast bowler to achieve 100 test matches.
“I feel old,” Starc said as he asked in memory, almost 14 years after his debut.
While Kraigg Brathwaite became 82 last week. A player in history to achieve 100 tests, only 12 others did so as frontline pace bowlers. He entered his 100th Test Five Goals of short 400 brands, other rare power among rapid pitching.
The Starc journey was one of the resistance and victim. Although he fought with Litany injury at the beginning of his career – including back, knee, ankle, legs, calf and shaving – he remained the cornerstone of the Australian attack and often chose a national duty over the lucrative T20 contracts to handle his workload.
“I tried to take care of my body and find ways to impact on the team that affects the team,” said Starc Cricket.com.au. “I was a player who was injured and left the team before – I never wanted to do it again.
“So, searching for ways where things weren’t doing well, or if I was able to push and finish games and contribute – that was important. But I also had a lot of support – from coaches, physios and teammates who are also my best friends – they all played a role in helping me.”
Since at the end of 2022 he was tending the tendon in his finger during the test against South Africa, the Starc did not miss the match by injuries. In fact, this game was cursed despite the damage – the gravel sign that came to define his career.
“There are several scars and painful pieces most days,” he admitted. “Whether it is a blow or painkillers, I learned what I can and can do. I never go to a game I don’t believe I can finish.
“You will learn the difference between good pain, bad pain and general pain. All of this creates a young quick pitch – I had to come quite early, or I wouldn’t have long last.”
Starc has played a key role in the Australian crossing over the last decade and created an impressive pace of Trio S Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. He is also a double winner of the ODI World Cup and was part of the party that raised the World Championship trophy in 2023. It’s not bad for someone who started his cricket as a goal.
“I never thought I’d play so many tests,” Starc said. “There was quite quite stubbornness, maybe even stupidity sometimes. But if I play my role and contribute, no matter how the body feels, it matters most.”
On Sunday, when he comes out in Kingston to collect his 100. The bag of green cap, Mitchell Starc will not just celebrate longevity – will honor the spirit of fast bowling: tireless, selfless and based on the unwavering desire to compete.
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Published:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
July 11, 2025
