Mitchell Starc Retires from T20I Cricket: Focus Shifts to Tests and ODIs

 Australian fast-bowling legend Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket on September 2, 2025, marking the end of an era for Australia’s pace attack in the shortest format.

Why Starc Retired from T20Is

Starc revealed that the decision was made to prioritize his Test and ODI career, ensuring he remains fresh and fit for upcoming high-profile tournaments such as the 2027 ODI World Cup, the Ashes series, and a crucial Test tour of India. He emphasized that Test cricket has always been his top priority, highlighting his love for the longer format.

Career Stats and Legacy

• T20I Career: 79 wickets from 65 matches, second only to Adam Zampa among Australian bowlers.

• Reputation: Known for his lethal yorkers, raw pace, and ability to deliver under pressure.

• Memorable Moments: From rattling Sachin Tendulkar early in his Test career to delivering match-winning spells in ICC tournaments, Starc has cemented his legacy as one of cricket’s finest left-arm pacers.

What It Means for Australia

With Starc stepping away from T20Is, the spotlight shifts to the next generation of pacers like Nathan Ellis, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, and Xavier Bartlett. Cricket Australia has welcomed the move, acknowledging the balance between managing senior players and nurturing emerging talent.

Looking Ahead

While Starc bids farewell to T20Is, fans can still look forward to his fiery spells in Test and ODI cricket. His decision reflects not just personal longevity but also a broader shift in how modern cricketers manage their workloads across formats.

Here are some of the great moments from Mitchell Starc’s T20 International (T20I) career that fans remember him for:

🔥 Mitchell Starc’s Best T20I Moments

1. Match-Winning Spell vs Pakistan (2012, Dubai)

   • One of Starc’s early standout performances in T20Is came against Pakistan, where his raw pace and toe-crushing yorkers helped Australia restrict a strong batting side.

   • He showed the world his ability to bowl under pressure in death overs.

2. ICC T20 World Cup 2014 (Bangladesh)

   • Starc was Australia’s leading pacer in the tournament, consistently bowling above 145 km/h.

   • His yorkers at the death became a talking point, as he combined pace with accuracy.

3. T20 World Cup 2016 vs India (Mohali)

   • In a high-pressure knockout, Starc’s fiery opening spell tested the Indian top order.

   • Although Australia lost, his pace battle against Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma was unforgettable.

4. T20 World Cup 2021 (UAE)

   • Starc played a key role in Australia’s historic first T20 World Cup victory.

   • His death overs bowling, especially in the semifinal and final, allowed bowlers like Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa to dominate in the middle overs.

5. Rivalry Against West Indies (Multiple T20Is)

   • Known for his battles with big hitters like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, and Andre Russell, Starc often came out on top with pace and yorkers.

   • His dismissal of Gayle with a deadly inswinging yorker remains one of his most replayed T20 moments.

6. Consistency as a Death Bowler

   • Over his career, Starc developed a reputation as one of the best death bowlers in T20 cricket, often closing games with pinpoint yorkers at 150 km/h.

   • This skill made him a go-to bowler for captains in crunch moments.

👉 In total, Starc finished his T20I career with 79 wickets from 65 matches, second only to Adam Zampa for Australia — a testament to his impact even though he prioritized Tests and ODIs more.

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✅ Takeaway: Mitchell Starc’s retirement from T20 internationals closes one chapter but strengthens his commitment to Test and ODI cricket. As Australia transitions into a new T20 era, his contributions will continue to inspire the next generation of fast bowlers.