Prolific Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc announced his immediate retirement from T20 international cricket on Tuesday, saying he wanted to focus on his Test and ODI career. "Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority," the 35-year-old said in a statement, ruling himself out of the T20 World Cup in February-March. 

"I have loved every minute of every T20 game I have played for Australia, particularly the 2021 World Cup," he added. Starc, who played 65 matches for his country in the shortest format, was part of the Australia side that lifted the world title that year. His 79 wickets in T20Is make him the second-highest for Australia after Adam Zampa. Starc steps away with a busy schedule to come, including a home Ashes series starting later this year and a one-day World Cup on the horizon. 

"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," said Starc. "It also gives the bowling group time to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the matches leading into that tournament," he added. His announcement came as Australia named their squad for an upcoming T20 series against New Zealand. Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said "to allow the next crop of fast bowlers a clear path to the T20 World Cup early next year is another example of putting team first".