Mitchell Marsh shocked to learn about star bowler's retirement via Instagram

Mitchell Starc has retired from T20Is to prioritize Tests and ODIs, leaving skipper Mitchell Marsh surprised as he discovered the news on Instagram.

Mitchell Marsh (Image Credit: JioHotstar)

Australia’s pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20 International cricket, a decision that stunned many, including his own captain. Starc revealed that he had informed coach Andrew McDonald of his choice but forgot to personally update skipper Mitchell Marsh, who only learned of the news through an Instagram post.

Starc later admitted he felt guilty about the oversight, saying: “I felt bad because he texted me and said he found out through Instagram. Sorry, Mitchy.” The incident drew light-hearted reactions from fans, but it also highlighted how sudden the decision appeared even within the team setup.

The left-arm quick bows out of the shortest format after 65 T20Is, during which he picked up 73 wickets and played a crucial role in helping Australia win the T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE. Known for his deadly yorkers and ability to swing the new ball, Starc was a proven match-winner in all conditions. His departure leaves a significant gap in Australia’s T20 attack, especially with another World Cup on the horizon.

Explaining his retirement, Starc emphasized that his priority now lies in Test cricket and ODIs, with a firm eye on the ODI World Cup 2027 in southern Africa. "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." he said. With a heavy workload across formats, stepping away from T20Is is aimed at preserving his longevity in international cricket.

His decision comes during a broader transition period for Australian cricket. Senior players like Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis have also recently stepped away from ODIs, creating opportunities for younger talent to emerge. In T20Is, Starc’s absence may open doors for fast bowlers such as Xavier Bartlett, Sean Abbott, and Ben Dwarshuis to stake their claim.

For Marsh, the surprise may sting in the short term, but he now faces the challenge of leading a reshaped T20I side into a new era. Australia will need to rebuild their bowling core without one of their most feared pacemen, while Starc turns his full attention toward anchoring the Test side and bolstering Australia’s ODI ambitions.

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