Canberra: One of Australia's most prolific fast bowlers, Mitchell Starc, has announced his retirement from the T20I format several months ahead of the next edition, the World Cup scheduled in India and Sri Lanka in early 2026, to concentrate on Test and ODI formats.
On Tuesday, Starc shocked the cricketing world with his unexpected decision to retire from the shortest format of the game, a choice motivated by his desire to extend his career and maintain his aspirations of defending Australia's title in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Since making his debut in September 2012, Starc has led Australia's bowling attack with his remarkable speed.
The 35-year-old left-arm bowler has not played a single T20I match since the end of the 2024 World Cup.
Starc's retirement marks the end of over a decade of excellence, which includes his role in Australia's victorious campaign at the 2021 T20 World Cup. He retires as the highest wicket-taker in T20Is for Australia, with 79 wickets in 65 matches, the most by any fast bowler from his country. His record is only surpassed by spinner Adam Zampa's 130.
"Test cricket has always been my top priority. I have cherished every moment of the T20 games I played for Australia, especially the 2021 World Cup, not just because of our victory but also due to the amazing team and the enjoyment we shared along the way," Starc stated.
"As I look forward to an upcoming Test series in India, the Ashes, and the ODI World Cup in 2027, I believe this is the best path for me to stay fresh, fit, and perform at my peak for those tournaments. It also allows the bowling group time to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the lead-up to that event," he added.
George Bailey, the chair of selectors, remarked, "Mitch should take immense pride in his T20 career for Australia. He was a vital part of the 2021 World Cup-winning team and, like in all his cricket, demonstrated a remarkable ability to change the course of games with his wicket-taking prowess.
"We will recognize and honor his T20 career at the appropriate moment, but fortunately, he remains dedicated to playing Test and ODI cricket for as long as he can," he stated.
Starc's announcement coincided with Australia revealing their T20I squad for the white-ball series against New Zealand scheduled for early October. The impact of Starc's choice will be significant for Australia as they start the search for his successor ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup in the subcontinent.
Australia will be without Cameron Green, who is concentrating on resuming his bowling responsibilities in the Sheffield Shield and will not participate in the Tasman tour. Nathan Ellis, recognized as a specialist in this format, will also be unavailable due to paternity leave.
Matt Short makes his return to the squad after being sidelined during the West Indies and South Africa series due to a side injury. Marcus Stoinis also rejoins the team after being left out of the T20I squad.
Australia T20I squad against New Zealand: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa.
