Mitchell Starc Retires from T20Is to Focus on Tests and 2027 ODI World Cup
Mitchell Starc has decided to retire from T20 internationals so he can focus more on Australia’s busy Test calendar starting late next year and also prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Mitchell Starc, 35, has played 65 T20 internationals for Australia and was part of the team that lifted the T20 World Cup in the UAE in 2021. His last appearance in the format came during the 2024 World Cup in the Caribbean. With 79 wickets to his name, he is Australia’s second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is, with his best figures of 4 for 20 coming against the 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.
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.
Mitchell Starc retires from T20Is to focus on Tests and 2027 World Cup
The ODI World Cup will take place in October and November 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Australia will come in as 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."
"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," George Bailey said.
"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," he added.
Australia announce T20I squad for New Zealand series
Mitchell Starc’s retirement news came just as Australia announced their T20I squad for the three-match series against New Zealand in early October.
Cameron Green won’t be part of the tour because he’ll be turning out for Western Australia in the first round of the Sheffield Shield, where he might also get back to bowling. Nathan Ellis will also miss the series as he and his wife, Connie, are expecting their first child. Matt Short, who was sidelined with a side strain during the recent series against West Indies and South Africa, makes his return, while Mitchell Owen is back after suffering a concussion in Darwin last month.
Marcus Stoinis is also included, having reached an agreement with the selectors after sitting out the last two series and spending time playing in The Hundred.
Australia T20I squad vs New Zealand: Mitchell Marsh (c), 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