Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20 International cricket, ending a significant chapter in his career as Australia named its squad for the upcoming New Zealand T20I series.
Starc, one of Australia’s most successful T20 bowlers, played 65 T20Is, taking 79 wickets at a strike rate that places him second on the country’s all-time list behind Adam Zampa. His departure opens the door for a new generation of fast bowlers to stake their claim ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.
Mitchell Starc calls time on T20I career
“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.”
Starc added that his decision gives the Australian T20 bowling unit time to prepare for the upcoming global tournament without disruption.
Tributes from selectors and administrators
Chair of selectors George Bailey praised Starc’s contributions, saying: “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.”
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg added: “It’s important to Mitch at this time of his career to make decisions which allow him to extend his Test and ODI careers as long as possible, which we fully support.”
Australian squad named for New Zealand T20Is
With Starc and Pat Cummins both unavailable, selectors have named a refreshed squad for the New Zealand series. Cummins is managing a lower back issue and will not be considered for the upcoming India series as part of his ongoing rehabilitation.
The squad includes Ben Dwarshuis, who impressed in the series against South Africa, and sees the return of Mitchell Owen from concussion protocol and Matthew Short from a side strain. All-rounder Marcus Stoinis is also back in the lineup.
Full Australian Men’s T20I Squad:
- Mitchell Marsh (c) – Perth Scorchers/Fremantle CC
- Sean Abbott – Sydney Sixers/Parramatta DCC
- Xavier Bartlett – Brisbane Heat/Gold Coast CC
- Tim David – Hobart Hurricanes/Claremont-Nedlands CC
- Ben Dwarshuis – Sydney Sixers/Sutherland CC
- Josh Hazlewood – Sydney Sixers/St George CC
- Travis Head – Adelaide Strikers/Tea Tree Gully CC
- Josh Inglis – Perth Scorchers/Joondalup CC
- Matt Kuhnemann – Brisbane Heat/Clarence CC
- Glenn Maxwell – Melbourne Stars/Fitzroy Doncaster CC
- Mitchell Owen – Hobart Hurricanes/New Town CC
- Matthew Short – Adelaide Strikers/Northcote CC
- Marcus Stoinis – Melbourne Stars/Scarborough CC
- Adam Zampa – Melbourne Renegades/Sutherland CC
Nathan Ellis will miss the series due to the birth of his first child with wife Connie.
Pat Cummins is managing a lumbar stress issue and will focus on rehabilitation in the lead-up to the next Ashes series.
