Starc prioritises Tests and ODIs: “Have got plenty to offer that ODI team”

Overview

• Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20 internationals.
• He confirmed that the decision was made to focus on Test cricket and the ODI format.
• He explained that the choice was driven by the need to manage his fitness and prolong his red-ball career.

Australia’s star pacer, Mitchell Starc, has announced his retirement from T20 internationals. He confirmed that the decision was made to focus on Test cricket and the ODI format, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup in sight.

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As quoted by cricket.com.au, Starc explained that the choice was driven by the need to manage his fitness and prolong his red-ball career.

"For lack of a better term, I want to milk my body as much as I can for as much Test cricket as possible. That was never going to be off the table. I just felt like one of the other (formats) had to give. I feel like I've got plenty to offer the ODI team and with that goal of getting my body to 2027 - but also being good enough to be in that team for the World Cup in 2027. I felt like this was my best opportunity to prolong my Test career and get to that World Cup (in 2027)," he said.

"Tests have always been my priority" - Starc

The 35-year-old further admitted that the decision took some thought, but he remains convinced that Tests and ODIs are where he can still deliver the most.

"I umm-ed and ahh-ed 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. I still feel like I've got plenty to offer that ODI team. I'd thought about it for a while. I feel like it was probably a good time. I'm 35 now, Tests have always been my priority and they will remain my priority," Starc added.

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Looking ahead, Starc expressed excitement about the upcoming fixtures, which will help him build up to the Ashes.

"The three one-dayers (against India) are a nice, controlled lead-in to five Test matches, 10 overs a game, time on the legs, they're not a day after each other. There's some Shield games that can be added to that schedule. (But) I think it's important not to have a concrete way of thinking," he said.