Mitchell Starc has confirmed his retirement from T20 International cricket, ending a 65-match career that saw him claim 79 wickets and rank second on Australia’s all-time list behind Adam Zampa. The fast bowler will now channel his focus into Test and ODI formats.
“Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority,” Starc said. “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.”
Chair of selectors George Bailey paid tribute to Starc’s impact. “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. We will acknowledge and celebrate his T20 career at the right time, but pleasingly he remains focussed on continuing to play Test and ODI cricket for as long as possible.”
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg also commended Starc’s decision. “It’s important to Mitch at this time of his career to make decisions which allow him to extend his Test and ODI careers as long as possible, which we fully support. Mitch has prioritised playing for his country and made significant sacrifices. To allow the next crop of fast bowlers a clear path to the T20 World Cup early next year is another example of putting team first.”
In Starc’s absence, selectors named the squad to face New Zealand, with left-armer Ben Dwarshuis included after impressing against South Africa. Nathan Ellis will miss the tour for the birth of his first child, while Mitch Owen and Matt Short return from injury. Marcus Stoinis has also been recalled.
Captain Mitchell Marsh will lead the side, but Pat Cummins will miss the series after medical scans revealed lumbar bone stress that requires ongoing management. Cummins is not expected to feature in upcoming limited-overs fixtures against India as he continues his rehabilitation with a view to being fit for the Ashes.
Australia T20 squad for New Zealand
Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
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