Cricket Australia: ‘Impossible’ schedule to manage

Mitchell Starc has declared it impossible for players to juggle all three formats of the international game under its current hectic schedule, as he spoke for the first time since his hotly debated omission from Australia’s last XI of the Twenty20 World Cup.

In a frank mood after claiming 4-47 to seal Australia’s 50-over series win over England, Starc also pointed out that had he played in the Indian Premier League in recent seasons, he may not have improved anywhere near as much as a Test bowler: the format in which his heart truly lies.

Mitchell Starc believes he is a better Test bowler for choosing to miss the IPL. Credit:Getty Images

There was never likely to be any doubt that Starc was unhappy to be left out of the team to play Afghanistan in Australia’s final Cup game in Adelaide, and he confirmed as much with a clipped description of his conversation with selection chair George Bailey.

“George and I have spoken and that is where it will stay. I had strong opinions on it and had a conversation, and that’s where it is,” Starc said, before stating he was still eager to be considered for inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad for 2024.

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