Mitchell Starc shocked many earlier this week when he announced his retirement from T20 internationals to focus on his ODI and Test career. The left-arm pacer, who played 65 T20Is for Australia and was part of the 2021 T20 World Cup-winning squad, made the call with next year’s tournament in India and Sri Lanka approaching.
Marsh Finds Out on Instagram
Starc admitted that his decision even caught Australia’s T20I captain, Mitchell Marsh, by surprise. Marsh only learned about it through Instagram.
“I did let them know, I did not ask them. I spoke to Ronnie (Andrew McDonald) and told him I was done. Yeah, that was about it. I probably should have called Mitchy,” Starc told cricket.com.au.
“I felt bad because he texted me and said he found out through Instagram. Sorry, Mitchy. Didn’t tell the captain,” he added with a laugh.
Special Memories from 2021
Looking back, Starc said being part of the 2021 T20 World Cup triumph in the UAE during the COVID-19 bio-bubble was unforgettable.
“To be part of that campaign was really special, especially with so many guys who had played a lot of T20 cricket together,” he said.
Eyes on 2027 ODI World Cup
Starc explained that he considered all formats before choosing to step away from T20Is. Unlike Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis, he decided he still had much to offer in ODIs, with the 2027 World Cup firmly on his radar.
“I thought about it for a while. I’m 35 now. Tests have always been my priority, and they will remain my priority,” he said. “But I still feel I’ve got plenty to give in ODIs. If I wasn’t going to be in the frame for 2027, I didn’t want to hold up a spot.”
Starc also noted that surpassing Glenn McGrath’s record to become the leading wicket-taker in World Cups could be within reach if he plays the next edition.
“For lack of a better term, I want to milk my body as much as I can for Test cricket. That was never off the table. I just felt like one of the formats had to give. This way, I can focus on prolonging my Test career while staying strong enough to push for 2027,” he concluded.
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