Australian cricketer Steve Smith expresses his intention to focus on honing his Test skills in preparation for the World Cup in 2027, aiming to perform at an optimal level.

Australian Pacer Mitchell Starc Sets Sights on 2027 ODI World Cup

Mitchell Starc, the Australian fast bowler, has announced his retirement from T20I cricket, aiming to prolong his Test and ODI career and compete in the ODI World Cup in 2027.

At 35 years old, Starc has amassed an impressive 65 wickets from the 2015, 2019, and 2023 World Cups, placing him third in the list of most World Cup wickets, only surpassed by Glenn McGrath and Muttiah Muralitharan.

Starc's decision to focus on longer formats comes as he stated that he wanted to "milk his body as much as possible for as much Test cricket as possible." He believes he has plenty to offer the ODI team and is targeting the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.

The Australian pacer will not participate in the T20 World Cup scheduled for early next year in India and Sri Lanka. Instead, his focus remains on Tests, with ODIs being a priority as well. This strategic move allows him to concentrate on the Ashes, the Indian Premier League, an away Test series in India, and the ODI World Cup in 2027.

Currently, Starc's focus is on the three-match ODI series against India, serving as a controlled lead-in to five Test matches. The series against India is a crucial part of Australia's preparations for the upcoming international cricket tournaments, including the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, bilateral series with Australia including Test, ODI, and T20 matches, and potentially the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 before the ODI World Cup 2027.

Starc's retirement from T20Is is also aimed at extending his playing years. He believes the T20 team is in a great spot and doesn't need to be interrupted. Nathan Ellis, Ben Dwarshuis, Spencer Johnson, and Sean Abbott have done well in the T20 team, ensuring a strong future for Australian cricket.

Starc's comments were made while reflecting on his decision to retire from T20Is. He stated that he felt one of the other formats had to give, and he chose T20Is. However, he is considering a potential career as one of the greatest ODI World Cup bowlers.

As Starc continues to dominate in Tests and ODIs, cricket fans eagerly await his performance in the upcoming series against India and the major tournaments in the coming years, particularly the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Australian cricketer Steve Smith expresses his intention to focus on honing his Test skills in preparation for the World Cup in 2027, aiming to perform at an optimal level.