Veteran Australian pacer Mitchell Starc is set to join an elite group when he takes the field against the West Indies in the third Test at Sabina Park on Sunday, becoming just the second Australian fast bowler after Glenn McGrath to reach the milestone of 100 Test matches.
“It makes me feel old,” Starc said when asked about the landmark, nearly 14 years after his debut.
While Kraigg Brathwaite last week became the 82nd player in history to reach 100 Tests, only 12 others have done so as frontline pace bowlers. He entered his 100th Test five wickets short of the 400 mark, another rare feat among fast bowlers.
Starc’s journey has been one of resilience and sacrifice. Despite battling a litany of injuries early in his career – including back, knee, ankle, foot, calf, and shin troubles – he has remained a cornerstone of Australia’s attack, often choosing national duty over lucrative T20 contracts to manage his workload.
“I’ve tried to look after my body and find ways through pain barriers to make an impact for the team,” Starc told cricket.com.au. “I’ve been a player that’s been injured and left the team a man down before – I never wanted to do that again.
“So, finding ways when things weren’t going well, or if I was carrying something, to still be able to push through and finish games and contribute – that’s been important. But I’ve also had a lot of support along the way – from trainers, physios, and teammates who are also my best mates – they’ve all played a part in helping me keep going.”
Since tearing a tendon in his finger during a Test against South Africa in late 2022, Starc has not missed a match through injury. In fact, he bowled through that very game despite the damage – a sign of the grit that has come to define his career.
“There are a few scars and sore bits most days,” he admitted. “Whether it’s jabs or painkillers along the way, I’ve learnt what I can and can’t push through. I’m never going to go into a game that I don’t believe I can finish.
“You learn the difference between good pain, bad pain, and general soreness. All of that shapes a young fast bowler – I had to figure it out pretty early on, or I probably wouldn’t have lasted this long.”
Starc has played a key role in Australia’s transition over the past decade, forming a formidable pace trio with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. He’s also a two-time ODI World Cup winner and was part of the side that lifted the World Test Championship trophy in 2023. Not bad for someone who began his cricketing journey as a wicketkeeper.
