Australia paceman Mitchell Starc announces retirement from T20Is

The 35-year-old made 65 appearances in the shortest format for Australia, taking 79 wickets, which currently puts him second for Australia behind spinner Adam Zampa, who has 130 scalps in 103 matches.

Starc made his T20I debut in 2012 and was part of the Australia side that won the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE but last featured in the format at the 2024 World Cup in the Caribbean.

He has retired six months before the next edition of the global tournament which will take place in India and Sri Lanka.

From mid-2026 Australia face a heavy schedule in Test cricket including a home series against Bangladesh, a tour of South Africa, a four-match series against New Zealand, five Tests away in India in January 2027, the one-off 150th anniversary match against England at the MCG and then an away Ashes in mid-2027.

The ODI World Cup, which will be staged in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, will be held in October and November 2027 with Australia the defending champions.

Starc said: "Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority. 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 the incredible group and the fun along the way.

"Looking ahead to an away Indian Test tour, the Ashes and an ODI World Cup in 2027, I feel this is my best way forward to remain fresh, fit and at my best for those campaigns.

"It also gives the bowling group time to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the matches leading into that tournament."

Australia chair of selectors George Bailey added: "Mitch should be incredibly proud of his T20 career for Australia. 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.

"We will acknowledge and celebrate his T20 career at the right time, but pleasingly he remains focussed on continuing to play Test and ODI cricket for a long as possible."