Sydney: Australia's successful pacer Mitchell Starc announced his retirement from T20 international cricket on Tuesday, saying he wants to focus on his Test and ODI careers.
"Test cricket has always been my highest priority," the 35-year-old Starc said in a statement. His decision comes ahead of the T20 World Cup to be held in February-March next year.
He said he has loved every minute of every T20 match he has played for Australia, especially the 2021 World Cup. Starc was part of the team that won the title that year.
Looking ahead to the overseas India Test tour, Australia and the ODI World Cup in 2027, he said that he feels this is the best way for him to stay fresh in the game, stay fit and give his best for those campaigns.
Starc is Australia's second-highest wicket-taker in T20 international cricket after Adam Zampa with 79 wickets.
His announcement comes as Australia name their squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand. Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said it was important to ensure a clear path for fast bowlers to the T20 World Cup early next year.
It is important for Mitch to make decisions at this stage of his career that will allow him to extend his Test and ODI careers as much as possible, and he fully supports his decision.