“‘Onya mate’ – Alyssa Healy reacts to husband Mitchell Starc’s T20I retirement”

Mitchell Starc, Australia’s top pacer, declared his retirement from Twenty20 international cricket on Tuesday, September 2. After a 13-year career in which he became Australia’s second-highest wicket-taker, the 35-year-old left the format. Alyssa Healy, his wife and captain of the Australian women’s cricket team, responded by paying a moving homage to her husband’s role in Twenty20 international cricket.

Shortly after Mitchell Starc revealed his choice to the world, Healy shared a touching story on Instagram. She posted a photo of her hubby along with the caption, “Onya maaateee @mstarc56.”

My top priority is test cricket: Mitchell Starc

Beginning his T20I career against Pakistan in 2012, the left-arm seamer amassed 79 wickets at an average of 23.81 in 65 games. In 2022, he achieved his best stats of 4 for 20 against the West Indies. Interestingly, he participated in five of the six T20 World Cups that have since taken place, missing just the 2016 one due to injury. But in 2021, he was a key player in Australia’s first-ever T20 World Cup triumph in Dubai.

Mitchell Starc stated that Test and ODI cricket are his primary priority when he made the decision, which was made just six months before the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

“My top priority has always been test cricket. I have enjoyed every second of every Twenty20 match I have played for Australia, especially the 2021 World Cup, not just because we won but also because of the amazing team and the excitement we had. I believe that this is the greatest course of action for me to stay healthy, strong, and performing at my peak for the 2027 ODI World Cup, the Ashes, and an away Indian Test trip. According to ESPNcricinfo, Mitchell Starc stated, “It also gives the bowling group time to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the matches leading up to that tournament.”

Australia, meanwhile, revealed their Twenty20 International team for the forthcoming three-match series against New Zealand. Nathan Ellis and Cameron Green are absent from the trip, according to the roaster.