Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20Is, effective immediately.
The 35-year-old, one of Australia’s greatest white-ball cricketers, retires from the game’s shortest formats with 79 T20I wickets at 23.81. He also helped Australia win the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2021.
“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.”
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Australia’s Mitchell Starc. Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFPSource: AFP
Chief of selectors George Bailey continued: “Mitch should be incredibly proud of his T20 career for Australia,” selection chief George Bailey said.
“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 focused on continuing to play Test and ODI cricket for a long as possible.”
More to come …