Mitchell Starc retires from T20 Internationals to focus on Test and ODI cricket

Starc ends T20I career, prioritizes Test and ODI formats, aiming for peak performance in upcoming Ashes, India tour, and 2027 ODI World Cup, impacting Australia’s squad dynamics.

New Delhi: Australia's leading fast bowler Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20 International (T20I) cricket. Now he will not be seen playing for his country in this format. This decision is considered a big setback for the Australian cricket team ahead of the T20 World Cup to be held in 2026.

Starc has been an important part of Australia's successful team in T20 cricket and was also included in the team that won the 2021 T20 World Cup. Apart from this, he was also part of Australia's squad for the T20 World Cup 2024.

Reason for retirement

Mitchell Starc has not played any T20 matches for Australia since the T20 World Cup 2024. He said that his focus will now be on Test and ODI cricket. Apart from this, he will also continue to play in domestic T20 leagues like IPL.

He made it clear that Test cricket is his priority and wants to focus more on it. He believes that with this decision he will be refreshed and will be able to maintain his fitness and performance for the upcoming big tournaments like India's Test tour, the Ashes series, and the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Mitchell Starc's statement

Starc said in his statement that Test cricket has always been his first choice. He said that he enjoyed every T20 match played for Australia, especially the 2021 World Cup, because not only did the team win, but the atmosphere of that tournament and the team spirit were also excellent.

ICC quadruples prize money for Women’s World Cup 2025; Full details

He said that now he wants to focus completely on Test and ODI cricket at this stage of his career so that he can give his best performance.

Starc's performance in T20 International

Mitchell Starc made his T20 International cricket debut in 2012. He played a total of 65 T20 matches for Australia and took 79 wickets. His average wicket-taking rate was 23.81. Starc is the second-highest wicket-taker for Australia in this format.

Before him comes the name of leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who has taken 130 wickets in 103 matches. Starc's fast bowling and his wicket-taking ability have always been beneficial for Australia.

Mitchell Starc's retirement from T20 International is a big loss for the Australian team, but it is part of the strategy to extend his Test and ODI career. His fast pace and experience will prove to be important for Australia in the upcoming big tournaments against India, England, and other teams.

Starc's plan is also beneficial for the team, as it will give the team an opportunity to give opportunities to new fast bowlers, and they will be able to fully focus on preparing for the T20 World Cup.