Mitchell Starc drops big hint at international retirement, says 'I won't be bowling when...'

Ahead of his anticipated return to the Big Bash League (BBL), Mitchell Starc has provided a transparent look into the future of his international career. The veteran left-arm pacer made it clear that while he is currently enjoying his cricket, he has no intention of following the path of England legend James Anderson by playing Test matches into his 40s. Starc recognizes that his primary weapon is his sheer pace, and he is realistic about the fact that such high-velocity bowling has a natural shelf life.

The 35-year-old emphasized that his longevity depends entirely on his physical capability to contribute at the highest level. He intends to continue representing Australia in both Test and ODI formats as long as he can maintain his signature speed and his body holds up. However, he was candid in stating that once his physical condition begins to decline, he will step away from the game rather than push his career past its limits.

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I won't be bowling when I'm 40: Mitchell Starc

This clarity regarding his future comes after Starc already transitioned away from the shortest format of the game, having retired from T20Is last year. By ruling out a lengthy twilight to his career, Starc has signaled to fans that he is prioritizing quality and impact over sheer longevity, focusing his remaining energy on the two longer formats of the game.

“I won't be bowling when I'm 40, no. Part of my role is my airspeed, and I've been able to hold on to that for five tests this summer. So, whilst I'm still doing that and playing that role for the group, I love pulling on the Baggy Green and going out with some of my close mates. That's going to change at some point, and my body will let me know before anything else, I'd say, but I won't be bowling at 40,” Mitchell Starc was quoted as saying by AAP.

After playing a pivotal role in Australia’s dominant 4-1 Ashes victory over England earlier this month, Starc is shifting his focus to the domestic cricket. The fast-bowling star, who was named Player of the Series after taking 31 wickets across the five Tests, still has unfinished business this summer as he prepares for a long-awaited return to the Big Bash League (BBL) with the Sydney Sixers.

Starc is currently training with the Sixers squad ahead of his first BBL appearance in 11 years. His comeback is set for the "Sydney Smash" against the Sydney Thunder at the SCG on Friday, January 16. Fans are eager to see the left-armer back in magenta, especially as he looks to face off against familiar New South Wales teammates and help the Sixers secure a vital win against their city rivals.

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Despite the physical toll of a demanding international season, Starc feels he has plenty of energy left for this final stretch of T20 cricket. He noted that while he needs to "dust off the cobwebs" with the white ball, he is motivated to help the Sixers push for a fourth BBL title before he takes a well-earned two-month break following the conclusion of the tournament.

“I've got two months to rest after the Big Bash. There's still enough in the tank to get through T20 cricket for another couple of weeks, and then I can put my feet up,” he added.

'Cricket for Australia is still my priority'

Despite his current return, the 35-year-old has hinted that this may be his final chapter in the Big Bash League. He emphasized that there are no guarantees he will return to the tournament in future seasons, as his primary focus remains on his commitments to the Australian national team.

Looking ahead, the fast bowler’s next major Test assignment isn't scheduled for several months. Australia is set to host Bangladesh in August 2026 for a two-Test winter series, with matches expected to take place in Mackay and Darwin. This series will kick off an incredibly dense period for the national side, including tours to South Africa and India, as well as a home summer against New Zealand.

“Cricket for Australia is still my priority. Test matches are still my priority. If you look down the road, post-IPL if you like ... there's no shortage of cricket for Australia, and that's certainly my priority. I haven't played a lot of franchise cricket throughout my career, so I don't think that's going to change much,” Starc concluded.