Australian quick Mitchell Starc has spoken publicly for the first time about his controversial omission from the T20 World Cup team’s final game.
The 32-year-old left-arm paceman was bizarrely dropped from the side before the Aussies only narrowly snuck home against Afghanistan, but ultimately didn’t do enough to get out of the tournament’s group stages.
It was a miserable showing by the reigning champions, who were also hosting the World Cup 12 months after winning the trophy overseas.
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Starc was axed in favour of right-arm fast bowler Kane Richardson, who selectors and coaches argued could serve the team better at the death.
That’s despite the fact Starc has one of the most lethal swinging yorkers in the game and can be close to unplayable when at his peak – traits Richardson does not boast.
Speaking to reporters after Saturday’s ODI victory over England, Starc revealed he had “strong opinions” on his axing and had sought an explanation from chief selector George Bailey.
“George and I have spoken and that’s where it will stay,” Starc said.
“I spoke to George at length, it was a good conversation. Many different things were floated there.
“I still have ambitions to play T20 cricket for Australia, but it is a long time to the next one and a lot of water to go under the bridge.
“So we will face that when we get to that.”
Starc has long snubbed the riches of the Indian Premier League, a move Australian Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins has now chosen to follow.
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And the fast bowler says he may soon need to start picking and choosing between other cricket tournaments – even internationals for Australia – given the packed annual schedule.
Starc says Test cricket will always be his priority, suggesting he will soon make a decision on axing ODIs or Twenty20 cricket from his reportoire.
”It’s certainly impossible at the moment to play every game as a three-format player,” Starc said.
“Having (the IPL period) to rest might help me keep bowling at decent speeds for a period of time.
“I don’t think playing three formats is something I can do for a long period moving forward.”
Australia has one more ODI against England, in Melbourne on Tuesday, then begin the Test summer against the West Indies in Perth from November 30.
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