Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20 International cricket, choosing to concentrate his energy on the longer formats as he eyes future milestones. In a statement, Starc confirmed that Test cricket has always been his highest priority and that this decision is the best way to remain “fresh, fit, and at my best” for upcoming campaigns, including an away Test tour of India, the Ashes, and the 2027 ODI World Cup. His retirement also allows Australia’s bowling group to prepare for the next T20 World Cup without him.
Starc retires as one of Australia’s most successful T20 bowlers, taking 79 wickets in 65 matches, which places him second on the country’s all-time list behind Adam Zampa. He was an integral part of the 2021 T20 World Cup-winning team. Chair of selectors George Bailey said Starc should be “incredibly proud” of his T20 career, highlighting his great skill for “blowing games open with his wicket-taking ability,” and confirmed the team would celebrate his contributions at the right time.
In response to Starc’s retirement, selectors have named a squad for the upcoming New Zealand T20 series. The squad includes left-armer Ben Dwarshuis, who was a standout against South Africa, alongside Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott. All-rounder Marcus Stoinis returns to the squad, while Nathan Ellis will miss the tour for the birth of his first child.
In a separate development, Test captain Pat Cummins will miss the upcoming limited-overs series against India as part of an ongoing management plan. Further investigation into ongoing lower back pain has identified a level of lumbar bone stress that requires careful management over the coming months. His return to bowling will be determined as part of his preparation for the Ashes, highlighting Cricket Australia’s cautious approach to managing its key fast bowlers.
