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

Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from Twenty20 internationals to focus on Australia's demanding Test calendar and ensure he is in peak condition for the 2027 men's ODI World Cup. The 35-year-old, who has not featured in the format since the last T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, made the decision just six months before the next edition of the tournament in India and Sri Lanka.

Starc bows out as Australia's second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is, behind only Adam Zampa. Over a 65-match career that began against Pakistan in 2012, he claimed 79 wickets at an economy rate of 7.74. He played in five of the six T20 World Cups, missing only the 2016 edition through injury, and was a pivotal figure in Australia's title-winning campaign in Dubai in 2021.

"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 because of 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."

Australia's schedule from mid-2026 leaves little room for respite. The Test side will host Bangladesh, tour South Africa, and contest a four-match series in New Zealand before heading to India for a five-Test tour in January 2027. That will be followed by a one-off 150th anniversary Test against England at the MCG and then an away Ashes campaign in the middle of 2027. Later that year, Australia will defend their ODI World Cup crown in a tournament staged across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Chair of selectors George Bailey praised Starc's service in the shortest format. "Mitch should be incredibly proud of his T20 career for Australia," 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 as long as possible."

Starc's announcement coincided with the naming of Australia's squad for the three-match T20I series against New Zealand in October. All-rounder Cameron Green has been rested to play Sheffield Shield cricket for Western Australia, while Nathan Ellis has withdrawn to be with his wife for the birth of their first child.

Matt Short, having recovered from a side strain, returns to the squad along with Mitchell Owen, who has overcome a concussion. Marcus Stoinis, who missed the recent series against West Indies and South Africa, is also back in contention after reaching an agreement with selectors regarding his availability.