Australia’s gun fast bowler Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20Is as he eyes to prolong his international career. Starc picked 79 T20I wickets in 65 matches for the Aussies at an economy rate of 7.74 and his last T20I appearance for the national team came in the 2024 T20 World Cup against India.

Starc played an instrumental role in Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup triumph in Dubai for Aaron Finch’s team. The left-arm seamer picked nine wickets in seven matches in the T20I showpiece.

Starc is hopeful to continue playing in the other two international formats, the IPL as well as other domestic games.

“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.

“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.”

Chair of selectors George Bailey said: “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 focussed on continuing to play Test and ODI cricket for as long as possible.”

Starc will be next seen in action in the three-match ODI series against India.