Sorry, Mitchy: Did Mitchell Starc Forget To Inform His Captain Of T20I Retirement?

With the next T20 World Cup six months or so away, Australia fast bowler Michell Starc decided to retire from T20 Internationals (T20I). Starc last played in the format in last year's T20 World Cup and was once again expected to lead Australia's bowling attack, but that will not be the case.

Starc admitted that while he spoke to fellow quicks Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and head coach Andrew McDonald about his decision, he forgot to inform T20I skipper Mitchell Marsh.

"I probably should have rang Mitchy. He texted me and said he found out through Instagram. I felt bad about that one - I didn't tell the captain. Sorry, Mitchy," he told Cricket.com.au.

With Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell having retired from One-Day Internationals (ODI), Starc admitted he was a little confused as to which white-ball format to give up.

But the idea of playing the ODI World Cup in 2027, as opposed to next year's T20 World Cup, eventually ended the conundrum. "I umm-ed and ahh-ed about which was the right [format] to put to the side," Starc said. 

"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."

As a result of his retirement, Starc will not play in the three-match T20I series against New Zealand from October 1. However, he will be seen in action for the ODI series against India, starting October 19 in Perth.