Australia head coach backs Mitchell Starc to play both Ashes and ODI World Cup in 2027

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald believes that Mitchell Starc will be fit enough to feature in both the ODI World Cup and Ashes that will be held in 2027. This comes after the 35-year-old has showed no signs of stopping in red-ball cricket and has not missed any Test in the last three home summers. He has also been in phenomenal form in the ongoing Ashes series and has racked up 26 scalps in four Tests so far.

Starc's stunning all-round performance vs England

With Josh Hazlewood ruled out due to injury, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon only playing two Tests between them, Starc took up the responsibility of taking wickets in regular intervals for the team. He played a key role in Australia retaining the Ashes and has easily been their best bowler of the series so far. Not only this, but he has also contributed with the bat and has scored a total of 151 runs at a decent average of 30.

McDonald remarked that it may not be realistically possible, but still expressed faith in Starc to play both the Ashes and ODI World Cup in 2027. He said that their mediacl team have so far done a great job of managing players and backed them to continue doing the same.

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"Historically, you would say realistically it's not possible as a fast bowler to get through that. But is it possible with Mitchell Starc? I think it is," McDonald said.

"Our medical team, and the players and the coaches as a collective, have done a really good job in managing players in and out of different series. We have our priority series, so if we were to manage him around that and place him well, then it's possible," he added.

Starc to play for 2 more years?

If Starc does feature in the 2027 Ashes, then he will be playing well after turning 37. The last Australian to play a Test at that age was Ray Lindwall in 1960. It remains to be seen if the left-arm seamer will be able to maintain his superb form until that time.

Meanwhile, Starc will be looking to continue his blistering form in the fifth and final Test of the Ashes that will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 4.