REFILE-Cricket-Australia's Starc eyes 2027 World Cup

Australia fast bowler ​Mitchell Starc remains driven by the ‌competitive ​nature of cricket and hopes to extend his 16-year international career for a few more years, he said on Saturday, keeping the door open ‌for a potential appearance at the 2027 World Cup. The 36-year-old left-armer, Australia's third-highest wicket-taker with 759 across formats - behind only Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath - retired from Twenty20 internationals in September to prolong his career in ‌tests and 50-over cricket.

The next ODI World Cup is scheduled to be held in South Africa, ‌Zimbabwe and Namibia in October-November 2027. "I'm pretty competitive, so I just enjoy that aspect of cricket," Starc told Reuters. "For Australia, I get to play with some of my best mates. I enjoy the hard work, but I also enjoy competing, and it's ⁠still ​fun."

Starc, who has been managing ⁠elbow and shoulder niggles, said his body was holding up well despite the demands of international cricket. "There's always something going ⁠on. I've had a bit of a niggle with my elbow and shoulder, which is still being managed, but there's ​probably a little less impact in T20 cricket," he said.

"I'm still going okay after 16 ⁠years and hopefully there are a couple more left." Starc, who made his Australia debut in 2010, is currently playing for Delhi Capitals ⁠in ​the Indian Premier League, in which they sit eighth in the 10-team table.

He was named player of the series in Australia's recent 4-1 Ashes victory over England. "It's (2027 World Cup) a long way down ⁠the road, but I'll hopefully be there. The World Cup is always a goal for every cricketer," ⁠he added.

"I've stepped away ⁠from T20 internationals, but I'm still enjoying my cricket. I don't set timelines - I just see where the body is and where the cricket is."

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