Australia’s star pacer Mitchell Starc on Tuesday (September 2) announced his retirement from T20I internationals, choosing to focus on the Test format and the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The left-arm quick picked up 79 wickets from 65 T20Is at an economy rate of 7.74. He was also part of Australia’s T20 World Cup winning squad in 2021. His last T20I appearance was at the 2024 World Cup in the Caribbean.

Starc, 35, explained that the decision was made with an eye on the heavy workload that lies ahead for Australia’s fast bowlers.

"Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority," Starc said in a statement.

"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."

Australia’s Test calendar from late 2026 is packed as they host Bangladesh before heading to South Africa, then face New Zealand in a four-match series. The schedule intensifies in early 2027 with a five-Test tour of India, followed by the one-off 150th anniversary Test against England at the MCG and an Ashes series in England later that year.

In addition, the ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in late 2027 looms as another major target.

Starc, who played a key role in Australia’s ODI World Cup triumphs in 2015 and 2023, is determined to leave a mark in what could be his final quadrennial showpiece.

"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," he said.

Chair of selectors George Bailey paid tribute to Starc’s T20I career, saying: "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 focused on continuing to play Test and ODI cricket for a long as possible."