Mitchell Starc retires from T20Is: What next for Australia's pace spearhead

Australia’s left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc called time on his T20 international career, choosing longevity in Tests and ODIs over the grind of all three formats. The decision, announced on Tuesday, marks the end of an era for Australia’s most prolific T20 quick, and opens fresh questions about the country’s bowling future in white-ball cricket.

 

What’s the latest?

 

Starc, 35, confirmed that he will no longer play T20 internationals for Australia, though he remains available for Tests, ODIs, and domestic leagues, including the Indian Premier League. He has not featured in a T20I since the 2024 World Cup in the Caribbean.

 

His record speaks volumes: 79 wickets in 60 matches, making him Australia’s highest wicket-taking fast bowler in the format, second only to spinner Adam Zampa. His peak came at the 2021 World Cup in Dubai, where his new-ball spells underpinned Australia’s first men’s T20 title.

 

“Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority,” Starc said. “Looking ahead to an away Indian Test tour, the Ashes, and the 2027 ODI World Cup, I feel this is the best way forward to remain fresh and at my best for those campaigns.”

 

Why it matters

 

Australia’s next T20 World Cup tilt, in India and Sri Lanka next February, will now be without their most experienced left-arm pacer. Starc’s absence not only leaves a void in terms of skill and pace but also in leadership within the bowling unit.

 

It is the latest in a sequence of high-profile retirements and withdrawals from white-ball cricket among Australia’s senior players. David Warner exited all formats last year, while Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis stepped back from ODIs earlier this year. Pat Cummins, the ODI captain, has barely played in the 50-over format since 2023.

 

For the T20 side, losing Starc months before a major tournament disrupts both strategy and planning.

 

The numbers behind the legacy

• 79 wickets in T20Is, the most by an Australian quick
• 400 Test wickets, achieved in his 100th Test earlier this year
• A$6.5 million earned across the last two IPL seasons
• Played in five of six T20 World Cups since his debut, missing only 2016 through injury

 

Beyond the numbers, Starc became known for delivering under pressure. His pinpoint yorkers and ability to swing the new ball at high pace made him one of the most feared T20 bowlers globally. 

Starc cricket career
Bowling Career Summary
Format	Matches	Innings	Balls bowler	Runs conceded	Wickets	Average	Economy	Strike rate	Best Bowling in innings	Best bowling in match	5w	10w
Test	100	192	19094	10863	402	27.02	3.41	47.5	6 for 9	11/94	16	2
ODI	127	127	6512	5712	244	23.41	5.26	26.69	6 for 28	6 for 28	9	0
T20	65	65	1458	1881	79	23.81	7.74	18.46	4 for 20	4 for 20	0	0
IPL	51	49	1047	1503	65	23.12	8.61	16.11	5 for 35	5 for 35	1	0
Batting Career Summary
Format	M	Inn	Runs	BF	HS	Avg	SR	NO	4s	6s	50	100
Test	100	147	2322	3919	99	20.19	59.25	32	231	49	11	0
ODI	127	75	577	744	52	12.02	77.56	27	42	14	1	0
T20	65	21	98	100	14	9.8	98	11	4	2	0	0
IPL	51	23	111	119	29	10.09	93.28	12	11	0	0	0

 

Who said what

 

Selectors paid glowing tribute to Starc’s impact on Australia’s shortest-format fortunes.

 

“Mitch should be incredibly proud of his T20 career for Australia,” said selection chief George Bailey. “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.”

 

The players’ fraternity also acknowledged Starc’s selflessness. Unlike many peers, he turned down years of lucrative IPL contracts to preserve himself for international duty, only joining the tournament in recent seasons.

 

What next for Australia?

 

The immediate challenge lies in reshaping the attack for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Josh Hazlewood remains the senior figure, but without Starc and possibly Cummins, selectors may turn to younger names. Nathan Ellis has impressed but is currently unavailable. Ben Dwarshuis and Xavier Bartlett offer left-arm and swing options, while Spencer Johnson and Lance Morris bring pace but face injury setbacks.

 

Starc’s absence changes Australia’s bowling dynamic, particularly in the Powerplay, where his ability to take early wickets often dictated the course of games. 

Australia's next T20 assignments

 

Australia Tour of New Zealand 2025
Match	Date	Venue	Time
First T20	1st October	Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui	4:15pm AEST (11:45 AM IST)
Second T20	3rd October	Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui	4:15pm AEST (11:45 AM IST)
First T20	4th October	Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui	4:15pm AEST (11:45 AM IST)

 

The big picture

 

Starc’s retirement from T20Is is less about walking away and more about playing the long game. By lightening his schedule, he aims to extend his Test career and keep alive the dream of playing the 2027 ODI World Cup. If he makes it, he could join the elite company of Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist and Glenn McGrath as three-time ODI world champions.

 

For now, Australia will miss his left-arm thunderbolts in T20 internationals. But the bigger story is how one of cricket’s great fast bowlers is rewriting his own finish line — sacrificing one format in the hope of excelling in the others that still define his legacy.