Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc has called it quits from T20Is, to focus purely on Test and ODI formats. The left-armer made his decision on Tuesday, September 02. The veteran pacer finishes in T20I career with 79 wickets from 65 T20Is, and is also currently at the second spot for leading wicket takers for Australia in the shortest format behind Adam Zampa.
Starc also said that Test cricket remains his highest priority. Recently, the southpaw also reached 400 wickets in the red-ball format during the series against the West Indies. With Winter Ashes coming later this year, & ODI World Cup 2027 two years away, the pacer wants to remain fresh and fit for the two mega events.
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"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 for the incredible group and the fun along the way," he reflected. "Looking ahead to an away India Test tour, the Ashes and ODI World Cup in 2027, I feel this is my best way forward to stay fresh, fit, and at my best for those campaigns."
Starc also added that his decision to retire from the shortest format at this juncture will give Australia's bowling group enough time to prepare for next year's T20 World Cup.
George Bailey lavishes huge praise on Mitchell Starc for his impact
Chair of selectors George Bailey praised the premier fast bowler for having a huge impact on the national team and on the young fast bowlers.
"Mitch should be incredibly proud of his T20 career. He was an integral part of the 2021 World Cup-winning side and had a great skill for breaking games open with his wicket-taking ability."
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Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg is in full support of Starc's decision to call it a time in T20Is.
"It's important to Mitch at this stage of his career to make choices that allow him to extend his Test and ODI journeys. Allowing the next group of fast bowlers a clear path to the T20 World Cup is another example of him putting the team first.
Starc's biggest moment in T20Is came in Australia's title-winning 2021 T20 World Cup. The left-armer formed a formidable bowling trio with Josh Hazlewood & Pat Cummins to help the team win their first T20 World Cup.
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