Starc Affirms Commitment to Tests Following T20I Retirement

Australia’s leading fast bowler Mitchell Starc is confident about his continued ability to contribute in Test and ODI cricket, expressing his readiness to “maximize” his physical potential for further achievements in Test cricket.

At 35, Starc announced his retirement from T20 Internationals to focus on key upcoming fixtures, including the Ashes, Indian Premier League (IPL), an overseas Test series in India, and the ODI World Cup set for two years from now.

This decision means the left-arm pacer, who has previously opted out of the IPL to conserve energy for national duties, will not be participating in the T20 World Cup scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka early next year.

“In a manner of speaking, I want to maximize my body’s capacity for playing as much Test cricket as possible, something that was never ruled out,” Starc told cricket.com.au.

“I felt one format had to be sacrificed. I believe I have considerable contributions to make to the ODI team with the target of reaching 2027, all the while maintaining my performance level to be part of that team for the 2027 World Cup. I thought this was my best chance to extend my Test career and aim for that World Cup,” he explained.

Starc played a key role in Australia’s victory at the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE, where they clinched their first title in that format.

“I deliberated over which format to set aside. If I wasn’t going to be a part of the 2027 plans, I didn’t want to block a spot. I still see myself as having much to offer the ODI team. After considering it for some time, I felt the timing was right. Now at 35, Tests have always been my main focus and will continue to be so,” he stated.

If Starc remains active until the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, he could potentially end his career as one of the greatest bowlers in ODI World Cup history. Currently, only Glenn McGrath (71 wickets across four World Cups: 1996, 1999, 2003, and 2007) and Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan (68 wickets over five tournaments from 1996 to 2011) have more World Cup wickets than Starc, who has 65 wickets from the 2015, 2019, and 2023 World Cups.

Starc believes he is leaving Australia’s T20 team at an appropriate time since the squad is in a strong position with new talents emerging.

“The T20 team appears well-established with new players making impressive contributions. Nathan Ellis is thriving, Ben Dwarshuis has played a significant role, Spencer (Johnson) has done well in his appearances, and Sean Abbott too… I feel that team is in a great spot, and my absence won’t disrupt that,” he remarked.

He looks forward to the three-match home ODI series against India and potentially participating in a Sheffield Shield game before the Ashes series.

“The three ODIs against India provide a controlled lead-up to five Test matches, with 10 overs per game to build up game fitness spaced out so they’re not consecutive days. There are possibly some Shield games to fit into that schedule. However, I think it’s crucial to remain adaptable in our approach,” he said.

“There have been times when we’ve lacked time for a Shield game before a Test summer, and times when we’ve had the opportunity for one or two. I’ve enjoyed them previously and likely aim to play one this year,” he added.

Published on Sep 06, 2025.