Tue Sep 02 03:31:16 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article rewrite:

**Summary:**

Mitchell Starc, Australia’s premier white-ball bowler, has announced his retirement from T20 international cricket. At 35, Starc aims to prolong his Test and ODI career, focusing on upcoming series like the Indian Test tour, the Ashes, and the 2027 ODI World Cup. He wants to remain fresh and allow other bowlers to prepare for the T20 World Cup. Cricket Australia officials praised his T20 contributions, especially during the 2021 World Cup victory.

**News Article:**

**Starc Shocks Cricket World, Retires from T20Is to Focus on Test and ODI Ambitions**

**Sydney, Australia –** In a stunning announcement ahead of the highly anticipated Ashes series and the upcoming T20 World Cup, Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has retired from Twenty20 international cricket. The 35-year-old left-armer, who has claimed 79 wickets in 65 T20Is, making him the second-highest wicket-taker for Australia in the format, stated his decision is aimed at extending his career in Test and one-day cricket.

“Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority,” Starc said in a statement released by Cricket Australia. “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.”

Starc emphasized the enjoyment he derived from playing T20 cricket for Australia, particularly highlighting the 2021 World Cup victory. However, he expressed his desire to allow the next generation of bowlers the opportunity to prepare for the T20 World Cup. Notably, Starc was not included in Australia’s T20I squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand.

Chair of National Selectors George Bailey lauded Starc’s contribution to Australian T20 cricket. “Mitch should be incredibly proud of his T20 career for Australia,” Bailey said. “He was an integral member of the 2021 World Cup-winning side and had a great skill for blowing games open with his wicket-taking ability.”

Cricket Australia boss Todd Greenberg echoed Bailey’s sentiments, praising Starc’s commitment to the team. “To allow the next crop of fast bowlers a clear path to the T20 World Cup early next year is another example of putting the team first,” Greenberg stated.

Starc’s retirement marks the end of an era in Australian T20 cricket, but it signals his renewed focus on the longer formats of the game, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his performances in the upcoming Test and ODI challenges.

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