Highlights:
- Mitchell Starc ends his T20I career at age 35 after 65 matches
- He was part of Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup-winning team
- Decision made to prepare for Australia’s busy Test schedule and 2027 ODI World Cup
- Starc took 79 T20I wickets, the second most for Australia
- Selectors admit his pace and new-ball swing will be hard to replace
- New faces like Nathan Ellis, Ben Dwarshuis, and Xavier Bartlett could fill the gap
- Australia names fresh squad for October T20Is against New Zealand
Starc Brings Down the Curtain on T20I Career
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has officially announced his retirement from Twenty20 internationals. The 35-year-old said he made the decision to focus on Australia’s heavy Test schedule starting in 2026 and the 2027 ODI World Cup, where Australia will defend their title.
Starc made his T20I debut in 2012 and went on to play 65 matches, claiming 79 wickets, the second highest for Australia in this format. His best bowling figures came in 2022 against the West Indies when he took 4 for 20.
He was also a key member of the Australian squad that lifted the T20 World Cup in 2021 in the UAE. His last appearance in T20Is came at the 2024 World Cup in the Caribbean.
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Starc’s Priorities: Tests and ODIs
In his retirement statement, Mitchell Starc made it clear where his focus now lies:
“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.”
From mid-2026, Australia’s calendar will be packed with crucial Test matches:
- A home series against Bangladesh
- A tough tour of South Africa
- A four-Test series against New Zealand
- A five-Test series in India in January 2027
- The 150th anniversary Test against England at the MCG
- An away Ashes series in mid-2027
After that, the ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will take place in late 2027. Starc said stepping back from T20Is will help him stay “fresh, fit, and at his best” for these major events.
Impact of His Retirement on T20Is
Starc was famous for his ability to swing the new ball at high pace and deliver deadly yorkers at the death overs. These qualities made him one of the most feared T20 bowlers in the world.
Australia’s selectors now face the challenge of finding replacements. Chair of selectors George Bailey admitted:
“I’m not sure we’re going to find someone swinging the new ball at 145kph. So, it might not be a like-for-like replacement. Starc traditionally took the new ball and also bowled clutch overs at the death.”
Bailey suggested that instead of one bowler replacing Starc, different players may share the role. Among those being considered are Nathan Ellis, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, and Xavier Bartlett.
Selectors Welcome His Focus on Longer Formats
While Starc’s T20 absence will be felt, Bailey welcomed his commitment to Tests and ODIs:
“His record speaks for itself. What excites me most is that he will continue to play Test and one-day cricket, hopefully for a longer period of time.”
Australia’s selectors are confident that Starc’s focus will strengthen the bowling attack in upcoming Test series and the ODI World Cup.
Source: espn cricinfo
