Starc, 35, bows out of the shortest format after a 12-year career that began in 2012, during which he played 65 T20Is and took 79 wickets, the second-most for Australia.
Photo: IANS
Australia’s left-arm quick Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20 internationals, choosing to prioritise the team’s heavy Test calendar from late 2026 and the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Starc, 35, bows out of the shortest format after a 12-year career that began in 2012, during which he played 65 T20Is and took 79 wickets, the second-most for Australia. He was a key member of the 2021 T20 World Cup-winning side in the UAE, with his best figures of 4 for 20 coming against the West Indies in 2022. His final outing came at the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.
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“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 demanding stretch in red-ball cricket, including series against Bangladesh, South Africa, New Zealand, a five-Test tour of India in early 2027, the 150th anniversary Test against England at the MCG, and the Ashes in England later that year. The 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will follow soon after.
“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 explained. “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 acknowledged the impact of losing Starc’s pace and skill.
“I’m not sure we’re going to find someone swinging the new ball at 145kph an hour,” Bailey said. “So it might not necessarily be a like-for-like replacement. Traditionally, he’s taken the new ball and been able to bowl some clutch overs at the death at the right time.
“So, have we exposed the type of players who might be able to fill that. I think Nathan Ellis has become a really integral member of that T20 side. I’m seeing some really good stuff from Ben Dwarshuis in particular. Sean Abbott and Xavier Bartlett have also had opportunities there as well. I’m not sure we’re going to replace Starcy, but it might just be some slight shifting of roles.
“I think his record does speak for itself. The thing that I am probably most excited about is that he will continue to play Test cricket and one-day cricket, hopefully for a longer period of time.”
Starc’s retirement was confirmed as Australia named their T20I squad for the three-match series against New Zealand in early October.
Cummins doubtful for first Ashes Test
Australia could begin the 2025 Ashes at home without the services of skipper Pat Cummins, who is definitely set to miss the preceding white-ball series against New Zealand and India due to lumbar bone stress.
Although free of stress fractures, the Australian Test captain is following a rehabilitation plan after experiencing back soreness post the successful West Indies tour, leaving his availability for the opening Ashes Test on November 21, uncertain.
Despite the setback, chairman of selectors Bailey believes there are no major concerns for Cummins, and remains positive he will play the first Ashes Test in Perth.
“It still feels like there’s plenty of time. (The) full expectation (is) that Pat will be right to go come the first Test,” Bailey said.
Back injuries plagued Cummins in the early stages of his international career, though since he was appointed Test captain in November 2021, the fast bowler has missed just two matches in the format. One absence was during the last Ashes home series (2021/2022), where Cummins was ruled out of the Adelaide Test after being a close contact of a COVID-19 case.
Australia aim to defend the Ashes on home soil, having retained the urn in a 2-2 series draw in England two years ago. Cummins took 18 wickets during the series, backing up his series-leading 21 scalps at 18 in Australia’s 4-0 win over the old enemy at home in 2021-22.
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