On September 2, Australian pacer Mitchell Starc announced his retirement from T20Is. He will shift his focus to Test and ODI cricket. Starc last played a T20I game in the T20 World Cup last year. He featured in a total of 65 matches for Australia and finished with 79 wickets at an average of 23.81.
Starc made his T20I debut in September 2012 against Pakistan. He finished as the second-highest wicket-taker for Australia behind Adam Zampa. He was a part of the squad that lifted the T20 World Cup trophy in 2021 and took a total of nine wickets in seven matches at an average of 27.55.
Starc has featured in every edition of the T20 World Cup since 2012, barring the 2016 edition, which he missed due to injury. In 25 matches in the tournament, he took 32 wickets at an average of 25.43.
Here is the Complete Stats of Mitchell Starc in T20Is
| Matches | 65 |
| Innings | 65 |
| Overs | 243 |
| Maidens | 2 |
| Runs | 1881 |
| Wickets | 79 |
| BBI | 4/20 |
| Average | 23.81 |
| Economy | 7.74 |
| Strike Rate | 18.4 |
| 4w | 1 |
| 5w | 0 |
“Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority” – Mitchell Starc
The retirement is from T20 Internationals, and Starc will be available to play in domestic T20 leagues, including the Indian Premier League. He is currently a part of the Delhi Capitals side in the IPL.
“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.”
In recent times, a series of Australian players have bid adieu to at least one format. It started with David Warner stepping aside from International cricket last year. Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis retired from ODIs this year.
Australian chief selector 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 focused on continuing to play Test and ODI cricket for as long as possible.”
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