Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has reaffirmed his commitment to Test cricket, just days after officially retiring from T20 internationals. The 35-year-old fast bowler, known for his fiery pace and match-winning spells, stated he is willing to “push his body to the limits” in pursuit of further glory in the longest format of the game. Starc explained that stepping away from T20Is was a calculated decision to preserve his fitness for high-stakes series, including the upcoming home Ashes, the away Test tour of India, and the 2027 ODI World Cup.
By retiring from T20Is, Starc has effectively ruled himself out of the 2026 T20 World Cup to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The decision reflects his long-term goal of extending his Test career while remaining a key figure in Australia’s ODI setup.
“I want to milk my body as much as I can for as much Test cricket as possible,” Mitchell Starc told cricket.com.au. “I’ve still got plenty to offer the ODI side, and my goal is to get to that 2027 World Cup while playing high-quality Test cricket.”
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The left-arm quick was a vital part of Australia’s historic T20 World Cup triumph in 2021, but he admitted the time was right to step aside and allow new talent to flourish. “The T20 team is in a great spot. Nathan Ellis is flying, Ben Dwarshuis has stepped up, Spencer Johnson has impressed, and Sean Abbott has been fantastic. I didn’t want to hold up a spot,” Starc added.
Australia pacer Mitchell Starc reveals the real reason behind his decision to retire from T20I cricket. https://t.co/HB1JZpGIRf
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Despite leaving T20Is behind, Starc’s ODI record puts him on the brink of history. Having played in three World Cups (2015–2023), he needs just three wickets to surpass Muttiah Muralitharan’s 68 World Cup scalps and six to overtake Glenn McGrath’s legendary tally of 71 wickets, making him potentially the highest wicket-taker in World Cup history.
For Mitchell Starc, Tests remain the pinnacle. “I’ve always prioritized Test cricket, and I’ll continue to do so. That’s where I want to put my energy,” he said. He now turns his attention to the upcoming home ODI series against India as a perfect build-up for a blockbuster Ashes summer. The veteran quick is also considering a Sheffield Shield appearance to fine-tune his rhythm ahead of five gruelling Ashes Tests.
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“The ODIs against India are a nice, controlled lead-in—10 overs a game, good time on the legs. Depending on the schedule, I’d like to get a Shield game in as well. Those matches have been really beneficial in the past,” Starc explained.
By prioritizing red-ball cricket, Starc has once again underlined his old-school approach in an era dominated by franchise leagues. His decision may signal the twilight of his T20 career, but it cements his focus on adding to his legacy as one of cricket’s greatest fast bowlers across formats.
