Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has offered the clearest indication yet that his illustrious international career is entering its twilight, stating definitively that he will not be bowling into his forties.

The 35-year-old left-arm quick, a central figure in Australia's attack across all formats for over a decade, acknowledged the physical realities of fast bowling while reaffirming his current commitment to the national team. "I won’t be bowling when I’m 40, no," Starc told Cricket Australia. "Part of my role is my airspeed... That’s going to change at some point, and my body will let me know before anything else."

Starc's comments highlight a pragmatic approach to the final phase of his career. He emphasized that maintaining his signature pace is a key component of his role, and he will continue playing as long as he can fulfill that function for the team. His careful workload management in recent years has been instrumental in preserving his elite performance levels.

Despite the long-term outlook, Starc's immediate focus remains squarely on Australian cricket. "Cricket for Australia is still my priority. Test matches are still my priority," he stated, underscoring his loyalty to the national side over franchise opportunities. This selective approach has defined his career, keeping him available for crucial international fixtures.

While no retirement timeline has been set, Starc's acknowledgment of his physical limits marks a significant moment. It suggests the veteran, known for his match-winning spells and World Cup heroics, is beginning to contemplate the conclusion of a storied international journey, even as he continues to lead Australia's bowling attack with undiminished determination.