Fast bowler Mitchell Starc cited the reason behind leaving several versions of the Indian Premier League (IPL) before his 100th Test for Australia against West Indies. Stark said that he preferred Test cricket on the franchise league, especially in view of the physical demands of red-ball cricket.
Mitchell Starc will play his 100th Test match for Australia in Kingston starting on July 12. After Glenn McGrath, he will only become the second Australian fast bowler to reach the 100-testing mark. Stark has taken 395 Test wickets and during this landmark match, Elite is a chance to join the 400-wicket club.
Test cricket was probably the most difficult format – Mitchell Starc
Speaking to the media before his 100th Test, Mitchell Starc said he had no regrets about remembering franchise cricket to focus on tests. He said that Test cricket was the most challenging format for him to prove himself.
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“Test cricket was probably the most difficult format to realize that I was quite good or felt that I was able to do so. To get that opportunity, I was not going to pass that all of that. For years I missed franchise cricket, I don’t regret it,” Stark said.
Australia has already secured the three-match Test series against the West Indies, which has not led to a 2–0 lead. He won the first Test by 159 runs and followed it with a win of 133 runs in the second match. The third and final test is scheduled to begin on 13 July.
This is why I did those things – Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc said that he decided to leave franchise cricket for Australia to stay physically fit and to spend quality time at home with his wife Alyssa Heli and family. Stark said that he would not change any options made on the way.
“To get my body as good place as I can play 99 games for Australia, spend some time at home, spend some time with Elisa [Healy] and family. This is why I did those things. Whether it has been paid now, a few days away from playing 100, or winning the series or winning the Test match, I will not change it, ” Stars mentioned.
Mitchell Starc leaves franchise cricket to stay fit for Australia
Stark, who made his Test debut in 2011, chose to stay away from franchise cricket for many years to maintain extreme fitness for international duties.
The Left-Arm Paper was played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL season in 2015 and 2016, but withdrew from the 2017 edition. He was selected by Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2018, but an injury excluded him.
Stark made his IPL back with KKR in 2024, played an important role in winning his title, and later joined Delhi Capital after 2025 mega-auction.
Despite recalling enough IPL earnings over the years, Stark has been an integral part of Australia’s successes, including the ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup and World Test Championships.
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