Australia’s white-ball pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from Twenty20 internationals, just six months before the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The decision comes as the 35-year-old looks to prolong his career in Test and one-day cricket, formats he considers his top priority.
Starc bows out as Australia’s most successful fast bowler in T20Is, claiming 79 wickets in 65 matches. He ranks second overall on the country’s list of wicket-takers in the format, behind only leg-spinner Adam Zampa.
In a statement released by Cricket Australia, Starc said Test cricket had always been his ultimate focus. “I have loved every minute of every T20 game I have played for Australia, particularly the 2021 World Cup — not just because we won, but because of the incredible group and the fun we had along the way,” he reflected. Looking ahead to tours of India, the Ashes, and the 2027 ODI World Cup, he explained that stepping away from T20Is would help him stay fresh, fit, and effective.
He also noted that his retirement would give Australia’s bowling unit time to adjust and prepare for the World Cup. Starc was not named in the T20I squad announced on Tuesday for the series against New Zealand.
Chairman of selectors George Bailey admitted Starc’s absence would be deeply felt. “His ability to strike early with the new ball and bowl crucial overs at the death is unmatched,” Bailey said. “You don’t often see someone swinging it at 145km/h. On top of that, his fielding is outstanding.” He added that while Starc could not be replaced like-for-like, other bowlers such as Nathan Ellis, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, and Xavier Bartlett had been groomed for bigger roles.
Starc was a central figure in Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup triumph, taking nine wickets across seven matches in the UAE. His retirement, 13 years after his debut in 2012, is considered a major setback for Australia’s bid to defend the title next year and marks the gradual fading of a golden generation.
Following the retirement of opener David Warner last year, fellow stalwarts Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis have also stepped away from one-day cricket, highlighting a period of transition for Australian cricket.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg praised Starc for his dedication and sacrifices. “To allow the next crop of fast bowlers a clear path to the T20 World Cup early next year is another example of putting the team first,” he said.
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