Starc announces retirement from T20Is to focus on Tests, 2027 ODI World Cup

Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20Is in order to prioritise Australia's heavy Test schedule from late next year and the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Starc, 35, played 65 T20Is and was part of the Australia side that won the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE. He last featured in the format at the 2024 World Cup in the Caribbean. His 79 T20I wickets currently puts him second for Australia with his best of 4 for 20 coming against West Indies in 2022.

"Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority," Starc said. "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.

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From mid-2026 Australia face a hectic run in Test cricket including a home series against Bangladesh, a tour of South Africa, a four-match series against New Zealand, five Tests away in India in January 2027, the one-off 150th anniversary match against England at the MCG and then an away Ashes in mid-2027.

The ODI World Cup, which will be staged in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, will be held in October and November 2027 with Australia the defending champions.

"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," Starc said. "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."

Starc's announcement comes as Australia name their latest T20I squad for the three-match series against New Zealand in early October. Cameron Green will miss the trip across the Tasman so he can play the opening round of the Sheffield Shield for Western Australia which could see him return to bowling.

Nathan Ellis will also be absent for the birth of his and wife Connie's first child. Matt Short, who missed both recent series against West Indies and South Africa due to a side injury, returns as does Mitchell Owen who suffered a concussion in Darwin last month. Marcus Stoinis, who came to an agreement with the selectors over his availability, is back in the squad after not being selected for the last two series and playing in the Hundred.

Australia T20I squad vs New Zealand

Mitchell Marsh (capt), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa