Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20 internationals, stating he wants to focus on extending his career in Test and One Day International formats. The left-arm pacer, who took 79 wickets in 65 T20Is, leaves as Australia’s second-highest wicket-taker in the format, behind Adam Zampa.
Starc said that Test cricket has always been his “highest priority” and highlighted upcoming challenges such as the Ashes, an away series in India, and the 2027 ODI World Cup as key goals. “I have loved every minute of every T20 game I have played for Australia, particularly the 2021 World Cup,” Starc said, adding that his decision will also give younger bowlers time to prepare for next year’s T20 World Cup.
Tributes from Selectors and Cricket Australia
Chair of selectors George Bailey praised Starc’s role in Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup triumph, noting his ability to “blow games open with wicket-taking spells” was invaluable.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg backed the decision, acknowledging it was made to extend Starc’s Test and ODI career. “Mitch has prioritised playing for his country and made significant sacrifices. Allowing the next crop of fast bowlers a clear path is another example of putting team first,” he said.
Australia Names Squad for New Zealand Series
With Starc’s departure, selectors have announced the T20 squad for the upcoming New Zealand series. The 14-man squad includes left-arm fast bowler Ben Dwarshuis, along with Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott.
Key Updates:
- Mitch Owen returns from a concussion layoff.
- Marcus Stoinis and Matt Short rejoin the squad after recovering from injuries.
- Nathan Ellis will miss the series due to the birth of his first child.
- Pat Cummins will sit out with a lumbar bone stress issue as part of his workload management.
Australia Squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
