“He Just Wants To Play For Australia”, Says Captain Pat Cummins On Mitchell Starc

January 2, 2025: Australia’s captain Pat Cummins has once again praised his star pacer Mitchell Starc, highlighting his resilience and dedication to representing his country. Despite experiencing fitness struggles during the Melbourne Test, where Starc was seen clutching his back due to rib soreness, the 34-year-old pacer managed to stay in the playing eleven, demonstrating his toughness and determination.

Speaking ahead of the final match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Cummins shared his admiration for Starc’s incredible work ethic. He said, “He has bowled at 145km/hr for 15 years now, and a lot of overs. You just don’t do that without always dealing with different niggles or setbacks. He just grits his teeth and gets on with it.” Cummins further highlighted that Starc is never one to complain about needing rest or rotation, emphasizing his commitment to playing for Australia regardless of physical challenges.

Describing Starc as an “absolute dream” to have in the side, Cummins continued, “He’s the one player who just refuses ever to talk about being rested or rotated.” He went on to add that Starc’s adaptability and skillset have been key factors in his longevity at the top level, especially in the past five years. Starc’s ability to bowl a wobble seam and his mastery of the bouncer have made him even more effective. As Cummins pointed out, “He’s got a lot of different strengths… He knows his skill sets really well.”

The Sydney Test will be the final match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with Australia leading the series 2-1, and Mitchell Starc is expected to play a pivotal role in helping his side seal the series win.

Starc’s consistency and determination have earned him high praise from both his captain and the cricketing world. His ability to perform under pressure, even when not at 100%, showcases his invaluable experience and commitment to the team.