NEW DELHI: Speaking for the first time since announcing his retirement from T20Is to focus on ODIs and Tests, legendary Australian pacer Mitchell Starc made a stunning revelation, admitting that he made a mistake by not informing T20I captain Mitchell Marsh about his decision.
In a chat with Cricket Australia, the speedster revealed that Marsh was taken aback as he found out the news only through social media.
"I probably should have rang Mitchy. He texted me and said he found out through Instagram. I felt bad about that one - I didn't tell the captain," Starc said.
Whoops! Mitch Starc forgot to tell the captain! #UnplayablePodcast
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) September 5, 2025
More on Starc's big call: https://t.co/zdbzUaOUFe pic.twitter.com/9Ra6SNkOhy
Starc also confirmed the reason behind his sudden T20I retirement as he is eyeing the 2027 ODI World Cup and wants to keep his body ready for Test cricket.
"I umm-ed and ahh-ed about which was the right format to put aside," Starc told cricket.com.au.
If I wasn't going to be in the frame for 2027, then I didn't want to hold up the spot. I still feel like I've got plenty to offer that ODI team.
"I'd thought about it for a while. I feel like it was probably a good time. I'm 35 now, Tests have always been my priority and they will remain my priority.
"For lack of a better term, I want to milk my body as much as I can for as much Test cricket as possible," said Starc. "That was never going to be off the table.
"I just felt like one of the other formats had to give.
"I feel like I've got plenty to offer the ODI team, with that goal of getting my body to 2027 - but also being good enough to be in that team for the World Cup in 2027.
"I felt like this was my best opportunity to prolong my Test career and get to that World Cup."
On Australia's current T20I team, Starc said: "The T20 team seems pretty settled with the guys that have come in; they've done some great stuff," Starc said.
"Nathan Ellis is flying, Ben Dwarshuis has played a great role, Spencer Johnson has done some good stuff when he's played, Sean Abbott as well.
"I feel like that team is in a great spot and I don't need to interrupt that."