- By Namrata Vijay
- Tue, 02 Sep 2025 08:42 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Mitchell Starc Retirement: Australia's star fast bowler, Mitchell Starc, has retired from T20Is to prioritize Australia's hectic Test schedule and ensure that he is at his absolute best ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. The veteran, who hasn't played in the shortest format after the 2024 T20 World Cup and the bilateral series against West Indies, has announced this decision just a few months before the 2026 T20 World Cup, which would be held in India and Sri Lanka.
Starc has retired as Australia's second-highest wicket-getter in this format and is just behind Adam Zampa. He made his T20I debut against Pakistan way back in 2012 and has taken 79 wickets after playing in 65 matches and at an economy rate of 7.74. He had also featured in five T20 World Cups and had only given the 2016 edition a miss owing to an injury, and had played a huge role in helping Australia lift the title way back in 2021.
"Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority. 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 along the way. 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. It also gives the bowling group time to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the matches leading into that tournament," he said.
The Australian cricket team's schedule looks quite hectic till the middle of next year. They will be playing a Test series against teams like Bangladesh, South Africa, and New Zealand, and would then come to India for a five-match Test series in 2027. They would also be playing their 150th Test match against England and then the 2027 Ashes. During that year, they will also try to defend their ODI World Cup title in South Africa.
George Bailey, who is the chief of selectors, lauded Starc for his contribution to the shortest format and said, "Mitch should be incredibly proud of his T20 career for Australia. He was an integral member of the 2021 World Cup-winning side and, across all his cricket, had a great skill for blowing games open with his wicket-taking ability. We will acknowledge and celebrate his T20 career at the right time, but pleasingly, he remains focused on continuing to play Test and ODI cricket for as long as possible."
His retirement came with the time when Australia revealed their squad for the three-match T20I series against New Zealand, which would be held later this year. Star all-rounder Cameron Green has been dropped from the side so that he can represent the Sheffield Shield for Western Australia, whereas Nathan Ellis has pulled out owing to the birth of his first child.
Matt Short, who had recovered from a side strain, would be making a comeback to the T20I team with Mitchell Owen, who recovered from a concussion. Marcus Stoinis, who gave the series against West Indies and South Africa a miss, has also agreed to be a part of the T20I side by discussing with the selectors about his availability.
