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Veteran Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20I cricket, effective immediately, on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old pacer made the decision to prioritise Australia’s heavy Test schedule from late next year and the ICC ODI World Cup in 2027.
He has represented Australia in 65 T20 International matches since making his debut in 2012 and was a member of the team that won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2021.
Starc has not played in this format since the 2024 World Cup held in the Caribbean.
With 79 T20I wickets, he currently ranks second among Australian bowlers, with his best performance being 4 wickets for 20 runs against the West Indies in 2022.
“Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority,” Starc said.
“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 the incredible group and the fun along the way.”
Australia are preparing for a busy schedule in Test cricket that includes the following matches: a home series against Bangladesh, four Tests against New Zealand, a tour of South Africa, and five Tests against India.
They will also play a one-off match to celebrate the 150th anniversary against England at the MCG, followed by an away Ashes series in mid-2027.
In addition, Australia will defend their ODI title in the upcoming ODI World Cup, which will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in October and November of 2027.
“Looking ahead to an away Indian Test tour, the Ashes and an ODI World Cup in 2027, I feel this is my best way forward to remain fresh, fit and at my best for those campaigns,” Starc said.
“It also gives the bowling group time to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the matches leading into that tournament.”
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