Australian bowler Mitchell Starc announces retirement from T20i cricket

SYDENY: Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20 international cricket to focus on the heavy Test schedule starting later next year and the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The 35-year-old Starc played 65 T20 matches after making his debut in 2012 and was part of the Australian team that won the T20 World Cup in the UAE in 2021.

He last participated in the 2024 World Cup in the Caribbean. Starc has taken 79 wickets in his career, which is the second-best record for Australia in this format.

In his statement, Mitchell Starc said that Test cricket has always been my top priority. I have thoroughly enjoyed every T20I I have played for Australia, especially the 2021 World Cup, because not only did we win, but the atmosphere and fun of the team were unforgettable.

The team’s chief selector, George Bailey, said that replacing Starc will not be easy because it is difficult to find a bowler who can swing the new ball at a speed of 145 kmph.

Starc always started with the new ball and bowled the important overs at the end. We may have to use the roles of different bowlers in a slightly modified way now.

The Australian team has won 14 of the last 17 T20Is without Starc. Now, bowlers like Nathan Ellis, Ben Dorshuis, Shaun Abbott, and Xavier Bartlett are expected to get more opportunities in his place.

Mitchell Starc will now continue to play Test and ODI cricket and says that this decision will allow him to stay fresh and fit and perform at his best for big tournaments.