Australian star Mitchell Starc calls time on international T20 career a month out from New Zealand series

Mitchell Starc has called time on his T20 career for Australia with immediate effect.

Starc is one of the most lethal bowlers in international T20 history but will now set his sights on lengthening his career at the international level in the Test and ODI formats.

The 35-year-old has not played a T20I since last year's World Cup. He will remain available for selection in the T20 domestic leagues including the Indian Premier League.

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

"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."

Starc leaves the format as the leading men's T20I wicket taker among Australian quicks. Adam Zampa, a spinner, is the only Aussie bowler to have racked up more than Starc's 79 wickets, with 130.

Sydney local Starc established himself as a key member of the T20I team within months of making his debut in 2012. He played in five of Australia's six ICC events following his debut but was forced to miss the 2016 World Cup due to injury.

Cricket Australia's selection chief George Bailey said Starc should be "incredibly proud" of his success in the format.

"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," Bailey said.

"We will acknowledge and celebrate his T20 career at the right time, but pleasingly he remains focused on continuing to play Test and ODI cricket for a long as possible."

The decision comes just a month out from Australia's T20I series against New Zealand in what is now a cruel blow to the side's 2026 World Cup hopes.

But Starc himself admitted that it will benefit the development of the next generation of bowlers amid a transitional period for the group.

However, Starc will not be the only notable absence for the New Zealand series.

Cricket Australia confirmed Pat Cummins has been rested and will miss the series as part of his "de-load" management plan for a back concern. Nathan Ellis is also out of the squad due to the birth of his first child.

Ben Dwarshuis has emerged as the likely contender to permanently take the place of Starc, with Xavier Bartlett also a favourite for the role. Both have been named.

Mitch Marsh has been named to captain the side.

The first game of the New Zealand series will begin on October 1 at 4.15pm AEST.

AUSTRALIAN T20 SQUAD: Mitch marsh (C), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa