NEW DELHI: In a bid to prolong his Test and ODI career, legendary Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc announced his retirement from T20Is on Tuesday. The left-arm pacer last featured in the format for Australia during the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies.
The 35-year-old Starc, who made his T20I debut against Pakistan in 2012, is Australia's second-highest wicket-taker in the format after leg-spinner Adam Zampa. He has taken 79 wickets in 65 matches at an economy rate of 7.74.
Starc featured in five of the six T20 World Cups since his debut, missing only the 2016 edition due to injury. He played a pivotal role in Australia completing their trophy collection by clinching the title in Dubai in 2021.
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. 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 said: "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.
"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."
