Speaking exclusively to Star Sports ahead of the ICC World Test Championship Final against South Africa, Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc reflected on the team’s journey in the WTC and the significance of competing for the coveted Test Mace once again — this time at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

“It’s a chance to go back-to-back,” Starc said. “The World Test Championship might still be a relatively new format, but for us, it’s been a significant journey. We missed out on the final in the first cycle, and were fortunate to win it the second time around.”

Australia, under the leadership of Pat Cummins, lifted their maiden WTC title in 2023 with a commanding victory over India at The Oval. Now, as they gear up to face South Africa, Starc highlighted how the continuity within the squad has played a key role in their sustained success.

“With a core group of players from the 2023 final still together, to have this opportunity again — and at Lord’s — is really special,” he noted.

Starc, one of Australia’s most experienced and successful fast bowlers, emphasized that a second title would not only affirm the team’s dominance in the longest format but also serve as a fitting reward for the hard work and consistency shown by this unit over the years.

“Winning the Mace for a second time would be a huge reward for everything this group has worked towards over the years,” he concluded.