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Key Points

Mitchell Starc is set to play his 100th Test, joining Glenn McGrath as the only Australian fast bowler to reach the milestone. He reflected on overcoming injuries and maintaining his impact in the longest format. Starc is also just five wickets away from the 400-wicket club. The left-arm pacer credited teammates and coaches for helping him sustain his career.

Key Points: Mitchell Starc Reflects on 100th Test Milestone Against West Indies

  • Starc set to become second Aussie fast bowler after McGrath to 100 Tests
  • Overcame injuries to maintain longevity in red-ball cricket
  • Five wickets away from 400 Test scalps
  • Credits teammates, coaches for support in career longevity
3 min read

'Huge honour, something to reflect on when I'm finished': Starc on landmark 100th Test

Aussie speedster Mitchell Starc opens up on his journey to 100 Tests, overcoming injuries, and joining Glenn McGrath in elite company.

"I didn’t think I’d play one (Test). Pretty humbling to play that much. A huge honour, probably something more to reflect on when I’m finished. – Mitchell Starc"

Kingston, July 11

Ahead of his landmark 100th Test match on Sunday, speedster Mitchell Starc reflected on his long journey and injury battles which he overcame to prove his longevity in the red-ball format.

Starc is set to become only the second Australian fast bowler, after Glenn McGrath, to reach the milestone when he takes the field for the third and final Test against the West Indies in Kingston on Sunday. The day-night match also presents Australia with a chance to complete a series sweep.

"I've looked after or tried to look after my body and be able to find ways through pain barriers to make an impact for the team," Starc told cricket.com.au ahead of reaching the milestone that only 15 of Australia's 471 Test cricketers have managed.

"I've been a player that's been injured and left them a man down before and I never wanted to do that again. So to find ways when things weren't going well, or things were sore, or if I was carrying something, to still be able to push through and finish games and still be impactful, was part of it.

"But I've also had a lot of help along the way, with trainers and physios and my best mates being teammates, all helped me to keep playing and wanting to compete and still be a part of the group."

With only five wickets needed to reach the coveted 400 mark, Starc could be in for a double celebration if he joins McGrath in achieving the feat in Kingston.

"I didn't think I'd play one (Test). (It's) pretty humbling to play that much. A huge honour, probably something more to reflect on when I'm finished," said Starc.

"Anytime you're mentioned alongside some of those names, like Glenn (and) I've been fortunate enough to play with Mitchell Johnson (73 Tests), 'Sidds' (Peter Siddle, 67 Tests) and 'Rhino' (Ryan Harris, 27 Tests) and to have a bit of relationship with Brett (Lee, 76 Tests), I've been very lucky through cricket to a meet those guys and then play alongside or learn different pieces from them.

"I've had Craig McDermott (71 Tests) as bowling coach and (current Australia assistant coach) Dan Vettori (113 Tests, 362 wickets) has taken a lot of Test wickets as well, so if I do get there, that'd be incredibly humbling.

"And I guess it just means I'm a bit older. But to have some impact along (the way) in those games, to get somewhere near the 400-mark has been good fun."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya N
Starc's humility is so refreshing! Unlike some other Aussie players, he always gives credit to his team and support staff. That's the mark of a true champion. Wishing him luck for his 400 wickets too! 🙌
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Aditya G
Remember how he destroyed us in that 2015 World Cup semifinal? 😅 But you have to respect his skills. 100 Tests with that slingy action is incredible. Indian cricket needs to learn from Australia's fast bowling culture.
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Sarah B
As an Aussie living in India, it's great to see Starc getting appreciation here too! He's been the backbone of our bowling attack for years. Hope he gets to 400 wickets in this match itself!
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Vikram M
While I admire Starc's achievement, I wish Indian media gave similar coverage to our own players' milestones. When Ashwin completed 500 wickets, it didn't get half this attention. Just saying 🤷‍♂️
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Neha E
His wife Alyssa Healy must be so proud! Power couple of cricket 💕 Hope he gets a grand celebration after the match. 100 Tests deserve a standing ovation from everyone in the stadium!

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