THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Sept 2: Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20 international cricket ahead of next year’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. He will, however, continue to play Test matches and is also aiming to feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
While stepping away from the shortest format, he confirmed his continued commitment to Test matches and the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Starc’s exit marks the end of an era for Australia in T20 cricket. He played a crucial role in several memorable moments, most notably guiding the team to victory in the 2021 World Cup. His focus will now shift to Tests and ODIs, where he is expected to play an even bigger role in major series such as the India tour, the Ashes, and the 2027 ODI World Cup.
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“Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority. 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,” Starc said upon his retirement.
Looking back at his T20 career, Starc made his debut in September 2012 against Pakistan in Dubai. He went on to play 65 matches, taking 79 wickets at an average of 23.81 with an economy rate of 7.74. His best performance was 4/20. He featured in five T20 World Cups, missing only the 2016 edition, and was a key figure in Australia’s 2021 title triumph.
With these achievements, Starc retires as Australia’s second-highest wicket-taker in T20 internationals, behind spinner Adam Zampa, who has 103 wickets from 103 matches.
