Mitchell Starc Reveals Reason Behind T20I Retirement, Eyes 2027 ODI World Cup

Australia pacer Mitchell Starc has finally broken his silence on his sudden retirement from T20I cricket and also confirmed that he is eyeing the 2027 ODI World Cup and wants to keep his body ready for Test cricket."I umm-ed and ahh-ed about which was the right format to put aside," Starc told cricket.com.au."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."For lack of a better term, I want to milk my body as much as I can for as much Test cricket as possible," said Starc. "That was never going to be off the table."I just felt like one of the other formats had to give."I feel like I've got plenty to offer the ODI team, with that goal of getting my body to 2027 – but also being good enough to be in that team for the World Cup in 2027."I felt like this was my best opportunity to prolong my Test career and get to that World Cup."On Australia's current T20I team, Starc said: "The T20 team seems pretty settled with the guys that have come in; they've done some great stuff," Starc said."Nathan Ellis is flying, Ben Dwarshuis has played a great role, Spencer Johnson has done some good stuff when he's played, Sean Abbott as well."I feel like that team is in a great spot and I don't need to interrupt that."