Veteran Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has opened up about a major career decision, revealing why he chose to step away from T20 internationals. Starc announced his retirement on 2 September, stating that he would like to focus on Test cricket and ODIs, as he is aiming to push for another World Cup title.
Starc, who played a key role in Australia’s maiden men’s T20 World Cup win in 2021, admitted that his wife, Alyssa Healy — a six-time T20 World Cup champion — helps keep him grounded. “Alyssa brings me back down to earth, telling me, ‘It’s just one – calm down’,” Starc told to Cricket.com.au.
The left-arm fast bowler revealed that the decision was not an easy one. “I ummed and ahhed about which was the right format to put to the side. If I wasn’t going to be in the frame for 2027, then I didn’t want to hold up the spot,” he said.
While Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis have stepped away from ODIs, Starc has chosen to continue, still hoping for another World Cup win. “I still feel like I’ve got plenty to offer that ODI team… I felt this was my best opportunity to prolong my Test career and make it to that World Cup.”
A two-time 50-over World Cup winner, Starc has 244 ODI wickets to his name. Looking ahead, he admitted that his biggest challenge is managing his workload. “For lack of a better term, I want to milk my body as much as I can for as much Test cricket as possible,” Starc added.
Although retired from T20Is, Starc will still be available for franchise cricket around the globe.
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