Australia's veteran fast bowler Mitchell Starc has provided the strongest indication yet that his illustrious international career is entering its final phase, openly stating he does not envision playing into his forties. The 35-year-old pace spearhead acknowledged the inevitable physical limitations of his demanding role.

"I won't be bowling when I'm 40, no," Starc said in an interview with Cricket Australia. "Part of my role is my airspeed... Whilst I'm still doing that and playing that role for the group, I love pulling on the Baggy Green. That's going to change at some point, and my body will let me know before anything else."

The left-arm quick, a central figure in Australia's bowling attack across all formats for over a decade, emphasized a pragmatic approach to his longevity. He suggested retirement is not imminent but is a reality he is consciously planning for, with his physical capacity as the deciding factor.

Despite the speculation, Starc reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to Australian cricket, prioritizing national duty over lucrative franchise leagues. "Cricket for Australia is still my priority. Test matches are still my priority," he stated, noting his historically limited participation in franchise cricket is unlikely to change.

Starc's careful management of his workload in recent years has been key to maintaining his elite pace and consistency. His comments reflect a seasoned athlete realistically assessing the final stages of a career defined by match-winning spells and a fierce commitment to the Baggy Green.