Australian Fast Bowler Mitchell Starc Retires from T20 International Cricket
New Delhi, 2 September (Kiran News): Veteran Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20 International cricket to focus on his Test and One-Day International career. Starc, along with Test captain Pat Cummins, was not included in the national T20 squad announced on Tuesday for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand starting from 1 October.
Cummins has been rested since the Caribbean tour last month and is recovering from a back issue, which has impacted his preparation for the Ashes series against England starting in November.
The 35-year-old Starc, who took 79 wickets in 65 T20 Internationals for Australia, stated that Test cricket remains his top priority and he needs to prepare for an intense international schedule over the next two years. Starc aims to be fully fit for the upcoming Ashes and Test series in India next year and for the next ODI World Cup in 2027, prompting his decision to step away from T20Is. He has played a crucial role in Australia’s success and is second on the list of all-time wicket-takers for Australia in the T20 format. The left-arm fast bowler’s full-length deliveries have earned him a reputation as a leading strike bowler.
In an official statement, Starc said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of every T20 match I have played for Australia, especially the 2021 World Cup—not just because we won, but also because we were a great team and enjoyed our time together.” He added, “Looking ahead, stepping away from T20Is is the best way for me to stay fresh, fit, and at my best for those campaigns. It also gives the bowling group time to prepare for the T20 World Cup through matches leading up to the tournament.”
Australia’s selection chairman George Bailey stated, “Mitch should be extremely proud of his T20 career for Australia. He was an integral part of the 2021 World Cup-winning team and, as throughout his career, he had a remarkable knack for taking wickets and changing matches. We will celebrate his T20 career at the right time, but it’s pleasing that he is focusing on playing Test and ODI cricket for as long as possible.”
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.