Mitchell Starc Hangs His Boots in T20I Ahead of Important Series Against India

Australian bowling spearhead has taken 79 wickets with an outstanding average of just 23.81 in T20Is.

Mitchell Starc Hangs His Boots in T20I Ahead of Important Series Against India

Mitchell Starc (Image via The Hindu)

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There is massive commotion in Australian cricket as the Aussie summer approaches the cricketing world. With India going down under for a white ball series and the grand Ashes following that, the locals are in for a gala time for over two months.

However, just prior to the massive India series, one of Australia’s bowling greats has taken a tough decision. Australian quick Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20I cricket with immediate effect.

The left arm pace of Starc will not feature in the five match T20I series starting next month. Many feel Starc’s decision has come with the thought of prolonging his international career in the formats he rates highly.

Starc has often mentioned how highly he rates Test cricket and for a fast bowler, the red ball format is wearing. To maintain his fitness out there, he seems to have consciously decided to reduce his own workload. Starc has also been Australia’s main arrow in ODI cricket over the years. With the 2027 World Cup in sight, he would like to give himself the best chance of making it to the squad.

Starc has had a stellar career in T20I cricket. In 65 matches, he has taken 79 wickets with an outstanding average of just 23.81. He couples that with a brilliant strike rate of 18.46 and an economy of just 7.74. Starc’s best figures in the format are a stellar 4/20 against the West Indies in 2022.

His announcement does make one ponder his participation in other T20 leagues around the world. With him typically always keeping international cricket ahead of anything else, Starc would in all likelihood only play leagues when he doesn’t have much on his plate.

Importance of Josh Hazlewood for Australia increases after Mitchell Starc’s retirement

With Mitch Starc calling it a day in T20I cricket for Australia, the role of Josh Hazlewood as the leader of the pack has boosted. Starc who was seen as a natural to play and excel in any format, has stood true to the expectations all through his career.

However, it wasn’t the same with Josh Hazlewood, who was often seen as a less skilled bowler for the shorter format. His impeccable accuracy in Test cricket and ODI cricket was never doubted. However, the lack of variations in T20I cricket was part of questioning his skill.

Josh Hazlewood to become the leader of pack after Mitchell Starc's retirement.
Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc (via Sky Sports)

In the last four years, Hazlewood has improved leaps and bounds as a T20 bowler. With two title winning gigs in the IPL, he has proven to be a very versatile bowler of the format and a threat to reckon with. He was the spearhead of both the Chennai Super Kings and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and lifted the trophy for the sides.

Hazlewood, with his consistent performances in the 20-over format in the recent year, also made it to the top of the rankings chart. Australia’s recent T20I series win over the South African side saw Hazlewood once again inflict damage in crucial situations. He took 6 wickets in 3 matches at an impressive average of 18.83.

The time he spent with T20 legend Dwayne Bravo played a big part in him adding more to his white ball armory. With Starc bidding goodbye and Pat Cummins too out with injury, Hazlewood will be looked upon as the one to take Australia ahead with the ball.

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