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Mitchell Starc retires as the most prolific Australia fast bowler in T20Is.
Mitchell Starc wants to focus on Tests and ODIs. (AFP Photo)
More than a year after last playing a T20I for Australia, left-arm quick Mitchell Starc has retired from the format at the international level. Starc’s exit leaves Australia with a major setback as they begin their hunt for an apt replacement for their most prolific T20I pacer with around six months left for the next year’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Starc retires with 79 wickets from 65 T20Is after making his debut in 2012. He was part of Australia squad that won its maiden T20 World Cup in 2021 when they defeated New Zealand in the final.
Explaining the reason why he called it quits from the shortest format, the 35-year-old said his priority remains Test cricket while he also wants to stay fresh for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
“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 chief of selector George Bailey praised Starc pointing out the seasoned campaigner’s wicket-taking ability.
“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 a long as possible,” he said.
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital…Read More
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital… Read More
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