Australia’s T20 international bowling attack faces a significant challenge as they navigate the post-Mitchell Starc era, with a formidable Indian side looming on the horizon. The retirement of the star left-arm paceman leaves a notable void, particularly as the team gears up for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
For many years, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins formed the formidable ‘Big Three’ of Australia’s pace attack, consistently dismantling opposition batting lineups across all formats. Now, with Starc’s departure from T20Is, this iconic trio has been broken.
Starc concluded his T20I career as Australia’s leading wicket-taking fast bowler, amassing 79 wickets in 65 innings. He also stands as the second-highest wicket-taker overall for Australia in the format, trailing only Adam Zampa’s 131 scalps.
Starc’s prowess in major finals is legendary, having won nearly every significant trophy final he’s contested, including the Champions League T20, IPL, ODI World Cup, and the 2023 World Test Championship. His absence creates a considerable challenge for selectors seeking to replicate his match-winning impact.
Compounding the issue, emerging talent Spencer Johnson, initially seen as a strong contender to fill Starc’s shoes with his express left-arm pace, has been sidelined by a back injury. Diagnosed with bone stress, Johnson is unlikely to return to competitive cricket until the Big Bash League in December, impacting Australia’s World Cup preparations.
In Johnson’s absence, Nathan Ellis has emerged as a consistent performer for Australia in T20Is. With 41 wickets in 27 matches at an average of 18.8 and an economy rate of 7.84, Ellis offers a reliable option. Australia will be looking for him to lead the charge alongside a returning Hazlewood and Cummins, aiming to rebuild a potent pace attack. For now, the options include Hazlewood, Ellis, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, and Xavier Bartlett, all capable of contributing as Australia builds its future T20 bowling strategy.