Mitchell Starc bids farewell to T20Is

KARACHI:

Veteran Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20 internationals, calling time on a decorated career in the shortest format to focus on Test cricket and the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The 35-year-old, who made his T20I debut in 2012, bows out with 65 appearances, 79 wickets, and the distinction of being part of Australia’s historic 2021 T20 World Cup-winning squad.

Starc last featured in T20Is during the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, but with Australia’s bowling stocks growing deeper and his own focus shifting, he chose to step aside and allow the next generation to take the reins.

A decade of T20I contributions

Starc made his T20I debut in 2012 and went on to represent Australia in 65 matches, claiming 79 wickets at an economy rate just under 8. His tally places him second on Australia’s all-time wicket-takers list in T20Is, a reflection of his impact in a format where bowlers often struggle to dominate.

One of his finest performances came in 2022 against the West Indies, where he returned figures of 4 for 20, dismantling a power-packed Caribbean batting unit with his trademark yorkers and sharp pace. Known for his deadly ability at the death, Starc’s left-arm angle and reverse swing made him one of the most feared bowlers in the world.

The 2021 World Cup Triumph

Starc’s crowning achievement in T20Is was being part of the squad that clinched Australia’s first-ever T20 World Cup title in 2021 in the UAE. Although not at his peak during the tournament, his experience and presence in the attack proved invaluable for Aaron Finch’s side, particularly in knockout matches where Australia’s bowlers kept their nerve under pressure.

The final against New Zealand in Dubai highlighted Starc’s resilience — despite being taken for runs by an in-form Kane Williamson, he kept charging in and played his role in maintaining pressure at the other end. For Starc, the memories of that campaign remain special.

“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,” Starc reflected while announcing his retirement.

Why Starc walked away

The timing of Starc’s retirement underscores his intent to manage his workload amid Australia’s packed Test and ODI calendar. Over the next three years, the Aussies face a relentless red-ball schedule that includes:

A home series against Bangladesh,

Four Tests against New Zealand,

A tour of South Africa,

A blockbuster five-Test series against India,

A historic one-off 150th anniversary Test against England at the MCG,

And an away Ashes series in 2027.

Following that, Starc has his eyes set on the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia — a tournament he clearly wants to be a part of, given his history of starring in 50-over World Cups.

“Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority,” Starc explained. “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.”

A legacy in the shortest format

While Starc’s T20I numbers may not match his dominance in Tests and ODIs, his impact was undeniable. His ability to swing the new ball at high pace and deliver pinpoint yorkers at the death made him one of the most complete fast bowlers across formats. For younger Australian bowlers, he has set the template of adaptability and professionalism required to thrive in modern cricket.

As he exits T20Is, Starc leaves behind a legacy of fearsome speed, match-winning spells, and a World Cup medal — achievements that cement his place in the format’s history. With his sights now firmly on Test cricket and another ODI World Cup campaign, Australian fans can expect plenty more thunderbolts from the left-arm quick in the years to come.