Mitchell Starc, Australia’s left-arm pace bowling spearhead, has officially retired from T20 internationals in order to focus on Australia’s robust Test schedule and the ODI World Cup in 2027.
Starc, who is 35 years old, made his T20I debut in 2012 and has played 65 matches with a total of 79 wickets, which is the second most for Australia in T20I format. Starc played a major role in Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup victory in the UAE and just played in the 2024 tournament in the Caribbean.
“Test cricket is and always has been my number one priority,” Starc said. “In considering the away Indian Test series, the upcoming Ashes series, and the ODI World Cup in 2027, I feel this is the best possible way forward to stay fresh and at my best.”
Australia have a busy Test schedule starting in 2026, including a home series against Bangladesh, tours of South Africa and New Zealand, 5 Tests in India and a one-off 150th anniversary Test against England, as well as an away Ashes series!
Selectors admitted the role that Starc plays with the new ball and at the end. “We won’t necessarily replace him when and if he does go, but his record speaks for itself,” said chairman of selectors George Bailey, referring mainly here to Nathan Ellis, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott and Xavier Bartlett.
While Starc has stepped away from T20Is, he remains available for Test and ODI cricket when Australia defend their World Cup title in 2027.
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