Mitchell Starc, an Australian men’s fast bowler, has declared his intention to withdraw from T20 International cricket in order to concentrate on his career in Test and One-Day International cricket.
Selectors today selected a team for the forthcoming New Zealand series without Starc.
Starc’s significance to the Australian system is evident in his 65 T20 Internationals, where he has taken 79 wickets, ranking second on Australia’s all-time list after Adam Zampa.
Mitchell 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.”
George Bailey, Chair of the National Selectors, stated, “Mitch should be quite pleased of his T20 career for Australia. In addition to being a key player of the team that won the 2021 World Cup, he had a knack for blowing games open with his ability to take wickets.
“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 CEO 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.”
Australia suffer blow as Pat Cummins to miss series
Ben Dwarshuis, a standout against South Africa, headlines the New Zealand squad, which also includes Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott. Due to the birth of his first kid with his wife, Connie, Nathan Ellis is unable to attend the tour.
Matt Short is expected to return from a side injury, and Mitch Owen returns after suffering a concussion during the second match against South Africa. Marcus Stoinis, an all-around player, rejoins the team.
As part of his continuing management strategy heading into the summer, Pat Cummins will miss the series.
In the most recent Twenty20 series against South Africa and the West Indies, Pat Cummins was rested. After the West Indies Test tour, Cummins has had some persistent lower back pain despite this scheduled de-load period.
Additional research has revealed a degree of lumbar bone stress that will need to be managed further in the upcoming months.
Cummins will continue his recovery plan and return to bowling at a later date as part of his Ashes preparation, but he will not be considered for the forthcoming limited-overs series against India.
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
