Mitchell Starc playing a T20 against New Zealand in 2024. Photo: Chris Symes / www.photosport.nz
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has retired from T20 International cricket ahead of the upcoming three-match series against the Black Caps - to focus on the other formats of the game.
After 65 T20 Internationals Starc ends his career in the shortest format with 79 wickets, which places him second on the all-time list for Australia behind Adam Zampa.
"Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority," Starc said.
"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."
The chair of Australia's national selectors George Bailey said Starc "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."
Cricket Australia chied executive Todd Greenberg praised Starc's T20 career and decision to focus on Test and ODI cricket for the foreseeable future.
"It's important to Mitch at this time of his career to make decisions which allow him to extend his Test and ODI careers as long as possible, which we fully support," he said.
"Mitch has prioritised playing for his country and made significant sacrifices. To allow the next crop of fast bowlers a clear path to the T20 World Cup early next year is another example of putting team first."
The squad for the games against the Black Caps includes left-armer Ben Dwarshuis, a standout against South Africa, alongside Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott.
Nathan Ellis misses the tour for the birth of his and wife Connie's first child.
Mitch Owen returns from being concussed in the second game against South Africa with Matt Short named to return from a side strain. All-rounder Marcus Stoinis returns to the squad.
Pat Cummins will miss the series as part of his ongoing management plan leading into the summer.
Cummins was rested from recent T20 series against the West Indies and South Africa. Despite this planned de-load period, Cummins has experienced some ongoing lower back pain following the West Indies Test tour.
Further investigation has identified a level of lumbar bone stress that will require further management over the coming months.
Australian T20 Squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
