Australian pacer Mitchell Starc who recently announced his retirement from T20Is revealed recently that while he had informed coach Andrew McDonald as well as Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, he completely forgot to mention it to captain Mitchell Marsh.
“I did let them know, I did not ask them. I spoke to Ronnie (McDonald), and then told the two of them, I was done. Yeah, that was about it. I probably should have rang Mitchy (Marsh). He texted me and said he found out through Instagram. I felt bad about that one. Sorry, Mitchy. Didn’t tell the captain, yeah,” Starc said in the cricket.com.au’s Unplayable podcast.
Earlier this week, Starc had announced his retirement from the shortest format but the seamer will remain available for Tests, ODIs and domestic T20 leagues, including the Indian Premier League.
He retires as the leading men’s T20I wicket-taker among Australian pacers. He has 79 scalps in T20 Internationals from 65 games, and only spinner Adam Zampa (130) has more wickets than Starc among Australian bowlers in T20I.
“Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority,” Starc said in a statement. “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,” he added.
Australia chief selector George Bailey had said Strac should be proud of his T20 career. “Mitch should be incredibly proud of his T20 career for Australia. 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,” said Bailey.
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