Last Updated:
Starc played 65 T20Is for Australia from 2012 to 2024 and dismissed 79 batters.
Mitchell Starc announces retirement from T20Is. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Legendary Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc on Tuesday (September 2) announced his retirement from T20Is. The left-arm pacer played 65 matches in the 20-over format of the game for the Australian team from 2012 to 2024 and dismissed 79 batters.
Starc last played a T20I match for Australia on June 24, 2024, against India at Gros Islet in St. Lucia and conceded 45 runs in his quota of four overs.
He is Australia’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is among pacers, and only spinner Adam Zampa has picked up more wickets for the 2021 T20 World Cup winners than him in the shortest format of the game.
According to a release shared by Cricket Australia, Starc has stepped away from T20Is to lengthen his Test career and set sights on the 2027 ODI World Cup, which is set to be played in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
“Starc today announced his retirement from international T20s. The 35-year-old, who has not played a T20I since last year’s World Cup in the Caribbean, will remain available for Tests, ODIs and domestic T20 leagues, including the Indian Premier League,” CA stated in a release.
According to Starc, Test cricket is his highest priority, and he loved playing every minute of T20Is for the Australian team.
“Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority,” Starc said in a statement.
“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 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 added.
Australia’s chief selector George Bailey, who also served as Australia’s ODI captain in the past, praised Starc and said he should be incredibly proud of his career.
“Mitch should be incredibly proud of his T20 career for Australia,” selection chief George Bailey said.
“He was an integral member of the 2021 World Cup-winning side and, as 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.”
- Location :
Sydney, Australia
Read More
