Australia’s fast bowler Mitchell Starc has retired from T20 International cricket. 35-year-old Starc has taken this decision to focus on Tests and the ODI World Cup to be held in 2027. He played his last T20 match in the World Cup in 2024.
Starc played 65 T20 International matches in which he took 79 wickets. He is the second-highest wicket-taker in T20 for Australia. His best performance was against West Indies in 2022 (4 wickets). Starc was part of the Australian team that won the T20 World Cup in UAE in 2021.
He said, I enjoyed every T20 match for Australia, especially the 2021 World Cup, not only because of the victory, but because of that great team and the fun during that time.
Starc will focus on Tests and ODIs, saying that Test cricket has always been his first priority. Australia’s Test schedule in 2026 is quite busy, which includes a home series against Bangladesh, a tour of South Africa, a four-Test series against New Zealand, five Tests in India in January 2027, a special 150th anniversary Test against England in Melbourne, and then the Ashes series in England in 2027.
In addition, there will be a ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October-November 2027, in which Australia will enter as the defending champion.
Starc said, ‘considering the Test tour in India, the Ashes and the 2027 ODI World Cup, this decision will help me stay fresh and fit for these big tournaments. Also, this will give the new bowling unit time to prepare for the next T20 World Cup.’
Australia announces T20 against New Zealand
Along with the announcement of Starc’s retirement, Australia has announced the team for the three-match T20 series against New Zealand in October.
