Australia’s veteran fast bowler Mitchell Starc has ended his T20 international career, stepping away just months before the 2026 T20 World Cup. The 35-year-old left-arm quick confirmed he wants to dedicate his energy to Test cricket, the Ashes, and Australia’s 2027 ODI World Cup campaign in South Africa.
“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.”
Starc’s T20I Record and Impact
Starc leaves the T20I stage as Australia’s most successful fast bowler in the format with 79 wickets. Only leg-spinner Adam Zampa, with 130, has claimed more wickets for Australia. His pace, swing and death-over accuracy played a huge role in Australia’s maiden T20 World Cup victory in 2021. His early breakthroughs and match-winning spells made him one of the most feared bowlers in global T20 cricket.
He debuted in 2012 and went on to feature in five ICC events, missing only the 2016 edition due to injury. His ability to swing the new ball at high speed made him a major threat during the powerplay overs.
Australian Cricket Faces Transition
Starc’s retirement from T20Is follows a trend among senior Australian cricketers stepping back from white-ball formats. David Warner retired from all formats, while Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis have left ODIs. Pat Cummins, despite being ODI captain, has played just two matches since the 2023 World Cup win.
National selector George Bailey praised Starc, saying: “Mitch should be incredibly proud of his T20 career for Australia. 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.”
What Lies Ahead
Starc continues to play domestic T20 leagues, including the IPL, where he earned over A$6.5 million in the past two seasons. However, his international focus is now firmly on red-ball and ODI cricket. Earlier this year, he celebrated his 400th Test wicket in his 100th match, highlighting his ongoing value in the longest format.
Australia will now look to reshape its T20 attack ahead of the 2026 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The selectors face the challenge of replacing Starc’s pace, experience and wicket-taking ability.
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