Mitchell Starc retires from T20Is with an eye on prolonging international career

Legendary Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc has decided to call time on his T20I career with a view on prioritising Test and ODI cricket in the final leg of his storied career. The 35-year-old, who has not played the format since the last T20 World Cup in the USA & West Indies, has made the decision merely six months out from the next edition of the marquee event in India & Sri Lanka.

Starc finishes as Australia's second-highest wicket taker in the format, behind only Adam Zampa. In a 65-game T20I career that began in 2012 against Pakistan, Starc claimed 79 wickets at an economy of 7.74. He featured in five of the six T20 World Cups played since, missing only the 2016 edition with an injury. He was a central figure as Australia completed their trophy set by lifting the title in Dubai in 2021.

The veteran pacer hopes to continue playing in the other two international formats, the IPL as well as other domestic games. But his retirement from the T20I format is the latest in a string of high-profile exits for Australia's ageing but golden generation. In addition to David Warner's exit from all formats last year, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis have all retired from 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."

Chair of selectors George Bailey said: "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."