Legendary Aussie quick retires from T20Is to prolong international career

Legendary Australian quick Mitchell Starc has decided to draw the curtains on his T20I career with the objective of prioritizing Test and ODI cricket in the home stretch of his decorated career. The 35-year-old, who has been away from the format since the last T20 World Cup in the USA & West Indies, has made the decision six months out from the next edition of the marquee event in India & Sri Lanka.

Starc concludes as Australia’s second-highest T20I wicket-taker, next best only to Adam Zampa. In a 65-match T20I career that began in 2012 against Pakistan, Starc picked up 79 wickets at an economy of 7.74. Renowned for his ability to crank up the speed gun and generate prodigious movement in the air, especially inswing, the left-armer featured in five of the six T20 World Cups played since, missing only the 2016 edition with an injury. He was a pivotal figure as Australia completed their trophy set by pocketing the title in Dubai in 2021.

Starc’s retirement the latest in series of notable departures

The veteran pacer hopes to continue plying his trade in the remaining two international formats, the IPL as well as other domestic fixtures. However, his retirement from the T20I format is the most recent in a bevy of high-profile withdrawals for Australia’s ageing but illustrious generation. In addition to David Warner’s exit from all formats last year, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis have all bid adieu to ODIs this year.

“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.”