Australian pace bowling stalwart Mitchell Starc has announced his decision to retire from the T20I format in a bid to manage his workload ahead of a demanding Ashes Test series, which starts later this year. The 35-year-old speedster further backed his decision to retire from this format by stressing his desire to keep himself fresh and rejuvenated for the all-important 2027 ODI World Cup. 

Although no one saw his retirement coming, the cricketing world was certainly left in a state of disbelief after hearing this unfortunate development. For over a decade, Starc has been a reliable all-format specialist bowler for Australia. The lethal paceman scripted match-winning performances for his national side in crunch matches. His ability to swing the ball at pace, followed by his tendency to trouble the batters with his sharp bouncers, made him one of the most feared bowlers in all formats of the game.

While we may no longer see Strac in action in the shortest format, it is time for us to revisit his glorious T20I past. 

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A brief roundup of Mitchell Starc's glorious T20I record

The NSW-born pacer is Australia's second-highest wicket taker in the T20I format. Starc made his T20I debut against Pakistan in the year 2012. Although he managed to pick just a solitary wicket, the charismatic pacer left an immediate impact by giving away just 17 runs in his four overs. In 65 T20Is, Starc has registered 79 scalps at a remarkable average of 23.81. While he has demonstrated his appetite to pick wickets consistently, Starc also maintained a very impressive economy rate of 7.73 RPO. His figures of 4-20 against the West Indies remain his best-recorded bowling figures in the shortest format. 

A total of 30 out of the 79 dismissals came against Pakistan & Sri Lanka. The pacer claimed 15 wickets apiece against the two teams. Moreover, he was also a thorn in the side of the West Indies, averaging 25.07 with 14 wickets against them. He also fared well against India too, taking seven wickets at an average of 24. Barring Scotland, Starc has managed to pick a wicket against every nation he has played. His only weak link in his overall T20I career was his performance against the BlackCaps, against whom he averaged a shocking 155 with only one wicket to his name.

Starc's final appearance for Australia in this format came against India in the T20 World Cup 2024. The speedster was a part of the 2021 T20 World Cup-winning squad and also represented his national squad successfully in the 2014, 2016, and 2022 T20 World Cups.

A piece of Australia's cricketing and cultural history is now with us. A cap worn by Sir Donald Bradman during the 1946-47 Ashes series was purchased for AU$438,500 (≈ US$286,700) by the National Museum of Australia. The federal government funded half of the cost to protect the national treasure for future generations.

Bradman wore the famous baggy green when he captained Australia in the first Ashes series held after WWII. Australia won the five-Test series 3-0 and set up the famous "Invincibles" tour in 1948, when Bradman's team didn't lose a match in England.

Arts Minister Tony Burke described the cultural significance of the acquisition. Burke said Bradman's cultural legacy is an important part of Australian identity. “You'd be hard pressed to find an Australian who hasn’t heard of the great Donald Bradman, arguably the greatest cricketer of all time. Now that we have one of his iconic baggy greens on display in the National Museum of Australia means visitors can connect with our sporting and cultural history.”

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Historic Bradman Cap Added to Museum Collection

The cap is one of just 11 known Bradman baggy greens. One belongs to the Australian Sports Museum, and the other nine are in private collections, underscoring the importance of this moment.

Katherine McMahon, director of the National Museum, states, "Sir Donald's baggy green is a beacon of hope from a dark time in our history... Sir Donald's baggy green represents the life of Australia’s most prolific batsman and hope at a time when sporting heroes gave Australians hope after the devastation of the Second World War."

The cap will be displayed in the Landmarks gallery of the museum, which has 'significant moments in Australia's past.' The Museum will also display other Bradman artefacts, enabling cricket fans and lovers of history to view the memorabilia of an athlete who burst through the limits of sport.

While Bradman is regarded around the world as an untouchable cricketer without peer, he is also revered as a unifying figure in Australia. A baggy green is more than just sporting apparel: it represents tenacity, inspiration, and pride.

Michael Clarke, the former captain of Australia's cricket team and a prominent batter of today's time, has once again been afflicted with skin cancer. Clarke, 43, used social media to update fans on his condition, sharing a photo of a lesion that was cut from his nose. He took the opportunity to remind fans about protecting their skin with early detection and skin checks. 

“Skin cancer is real! Especially in Australia. Another one cut out of my nose today. A friendly reminder to get your skin checked. Prevention is better than cure, but in my case, early detection and regular check-ups are critical," Clarke noted in a post, while thanking his doctor for catching the mole.

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Clarke's submission resonated with fans, with skin cancer being one of the most common diseases in Australia due to most of Australia being sun-soaked and very little cloud cover to protect from the piercing rays of the sun's UV exposure, which usually translates to regular skin checks being important on a yearly basis, depending on the intensity of your UV exposure. If you were to look at statistics provided by medical experts, Australia has the highest recorded rates of any other country in the world for skin cancer, and two in three Australians have a high likelihood of being diagnosed with skin cancer before their 70th birthday.

Former Australia captain raises skin cancer awareness

This is not the first time Clarke has faced such a health scare. Over the years, he has undergone multiple treatments for skin-related issues. By sharing his personal experience, the former cricketer continues to spread awareness and highlight the significance of prevention.

 Throughout his successful cricketing career, Clarke represented Australia in 115 Tests, 245 ODIs, and 34 T20Is, leading the national team to its 2015 World Cup victory. His accomplishments on the pitch earned him one of the most reputable figures in world cricket. These days, Clarke's voice carries weight not just in cricket but also in public health efforts.

Clarke's openness helps to remind both fans and the wider community of the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure. His story demonstrates that regular skin checks and early action can save lives and help to encourage people at all levels to take skin health seriously.

Top-class batting performance from Australia against South Africa for the 3rd ODI of the 3-match series. Centuries from Travis Head, captain Mitchell Marsh, and Cameron Green took Australia's total to 431 in 50 overs. Among these 3 centuries, Green's was the fastest one. With his 47-ball hundred, the all-rounder registered his name in a record list as an Australian cricketer. After Glenn Maxwell, Green became the second fastest batter to score a hundred in ODIs for Australia. Before Green, the first and the second places were occupied by Maxwell. 

Fastest ODI hundreds for Australia:

Glenn Maxwell, 40-ball century vs Netherlands, 2023

On October 25, 2023, Australia hammered the Netherlands during a Cricket World Cup 2023 match. The winning margin of 309 runs is the largest ever at a Men’s Cricket World Cup and the second largest ever in ODIs. Glenn Maxwell turned out to be the wrecker-in-chief for the Aussies with his 40-ball century. In his 104-run innings, the hard hitter smashed nine 4s and eight 6s; the strike rate was 240.91. The Netherlands cricket team was able to get only 90 runs in reply to Australia's 399 runs. 

Cameron Green, 47-ball century vs South Africa, 2025:

Back-to-back sixes, the strike rate was about to touch the sky, and Cameron Green's clutch performance earned him the second spot on the record list. He took only 47 balls to complete the hundred against South Africa in the first innings of the match. During his 55-ball, 118-run innings, he found the rope 6 times for boundaries and sent the ball into the stand on 8 occasions. 

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Glenn Maxwell, 51-ball century vs Sri Lanka, 2015:

Maxwell's masterclass in the 2015 ICC World Cup against Sri Lanka. With this, he required 51 balls to complete the century and won the man of the match award. In 53 deliveries, the middle-order batter scored 102 runs to secure a total of 376 in the first innings for his team. Sri Lanka fought well; Kumar Sangakkara scored 104 runs but got only 312 runs in the second innings. Australia won the game by 64 runs. 

James Faulkner, 57-ball century vs India, 2013:

A high-scoring, record-breaking match between India and Australia in Bengaluru. India, batting fast, scored 383 runs for 6 wickets, and Australia batted bravely till the end but got 326 runs. India won by 57 runs. Rohit Sharma's 209-run innings overshadowed Faulkner's 57-ball hundred. The Aussie all-rounder played a 73-ball, 116-run innings but for a losing cause. 

Travis Head, 59-ball century vs New Zealand, 2023:

A neck-to-neck high-scoring match between Australia and New Zealand at Dharamshala. New Zealand was close to chasing down Australia's first innings 388 runs but fell short by only 5 runs. Travis Head got the man of the match award for his 109 off 67-ball innings. The opener took 59 deliveries to complete the hundred. He thrashed the ball 10 times for four and hoisted it 7 times over boundaries. 

Australia’s batting was on fire in the third ODI at Mackay as they scored a huge 431 runs for 2 wickets in 50 overs.

The innings started with Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh giving the team a dream start. They added a record 250 runs for the first wicket. Head was the key player, hitting the ball to all along the ground. He scored a brilliant 142 runs from 103 balls, 17 fours and 5 sixes. Marsh played a steady innings, reaching his hundred from 106 balls .

After their partnership, Cameron Green took charge and scored one of the fastest powerful innings in recent games . He reached his hundred in just 47 balls, the second fastest century by an Australian in ODIs. Green stayed unbeaten with 118 runs from only 55 balls, hitting long sixes with ease.

Alex Carey also scored brilliantly 50 runs not out from 37 balls, rotating the strike and supporting Green in the last final overs. By the end of the innings, Australia had scored a massive score, leaving South Africa facing a very tough chase of 432 runs.

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Twitter reactions after Aussies to 431/2 in First Innings in the 3rd ODI

What Aussie media will tell you: Australia scored 431 runs 🥶 🔥
What Aussie media will never tell you:
All those runs came against Mighty Dinda sorry Mphaka,110kph Wiaan Mulder,103 averege in ODI's with the ball Corbin Bosch & 57 average with the ball Aiden Markram 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/LlMwcBvIKR

— Troll cricket unlimitedd (@TUnlimitedd) August 24, 2025

Australia 431/2 in 50 overs.
Marnus Labuschagne didn't even get to bat.
Had he batted he would've scored 50 runs of 85 balls and Australia would've ended up with 375. 😂😂
Australia dodged a bullet 😂 pic.twitter.com/QnI2tyTKUs

— Troll cricket unlimitedd (@TUnlimitedd) August 24, 2025

15 overs to go in the first innings, and the Proteas have finally broken the opening partnership! 🙌🇿🇦

Australia is 256/1 after 35 overs. 🏏 #WozaNawe pic.twitter.com/R52PTZAdYm

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) August 24, 2025

Head - 142 (103).
Green - 118* (55).
Marsh - 100 (106).
Carey - 50* (37).

AUSTRALIA POSTED 431/2 AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6yWG6Cxg9Y

— ABD (@FAheemAli_14) August 24, 2025

Head 142, Green 118*, Marsh 100, Carey 50*: Australia smash 431/2. Rampage. 🇦🇺🔥 pic.twitter.com/nsCJYcmSML

— Chris Felix (@ChrisFeliii) August 24, 2025

HUNDRED FOR CAMERON GREEN FROM JUST 47 BALLS...!!!! 🥶🔥

- Second Fastest Hundred by an Australian in ODI History, One of the Iconic Knocks ever, Brutal Ball striking at its best by the future. pic.twitter.com/dcfYI9W8GK

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 24, 2025

Cameron Green turned down an easy single and then went 6, 6, 6! 😱 #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/voNCrHoZcV

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 24, 2025

Travis Head - 142(103)
Cameron Green - 118*(55)
Mitchell Marsh - 100(106)
Alex Carey - 50*(37)

AUSTRALIA POSTED 431/2 FROM 50 OVERS AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA - Their Second highest total in ODI History. pic.twitter.com/VMChpSul8s

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 24, 2025

After losing the first two ODIs against South Africa in the ongoing three-match 50-over series, Australia looked to make a strong statement with the bat in the final game at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. Their captain, Mitchell Marsh, won the toss and took the absolute right decision of batting first.

Let’s take a look at the top five highest scores for Australia in ODI history.

1. 434/4 vs South Africa

When Australia smashed this score against the Proteas in 2006 at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, they hardly had any idea of losing the game from that position. Adam Gilchrist and Simon Katich took them to a flying start of 97 runs in 15.1 overs, with the former scoring 55 runs in 44 balls. Katich scored 79 runs in 90 balls at a strike rate of 87.77.

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Their number three batter, captain Ricky Ponting, played one of the sensational knocks of 164 runs in 105 balls at a strike rate of 156.19, thanks to 13 boundaries and nine sixes, while southpaw Michael Hussey dashed unbeaten 81 runs in 51 balls with a strike rate of nearly 160 as they posted 434 runs in the first innings. 

However, the famous 175-run knock from Herschelle Gibbs and a few more contributions were enough for the Proteas to chase down the target by one wicket on the penultimate delivery.

2. 431/2 vs South Africa

It’s the ongoing clash between Australia and South Africa in Mackay. Winning the toss, they opted to bat first as their openers, Head and Mitchell Marsh, creamed their respective centuries. The former drilled 142 runs in 103 balls at a strike rate of 137.86, decorated with 17 boundaries and five sixes, while Marsh smacked 100 runs.

Cameron Green remained unbeaten on 118 runs in just 55 balls at a strike rate of 214, with the help of six boundaries and eight sixes. Carey also drilled an undefeated 50 runs in 37 balls at a strike rate of 135.14, smashing seven boundaries. They put 431/2 in their allotted 50 overs in the first innings of the encounter.

3. 417/6 vs Afghanistan

This huge and successful batting performance from the Pat Cummins-led side came from the 2015 ODI World Cup against Afghanistan. At WACA, they batted first to post 417 runs on the board, with Warner clubbed a fine knock of 178 runs in 133 balls at a strike rate of 133.83, thanks to 19 boundaries and five sixes. Steve Smith was equally great in the job with 95 runs in 98 balls.

Glenn Maxwell continued to muscle the ball at all parts of the ground with 88 runs in just 39 balls at a strike rate of 225.64. It was another poor batting show from the Asian side, who were bundled out for 142 runs and earned the defeat by 275 runs.

4. 399/5 vs Netherlands

It was from the last ODI World Cup in 2023 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi when Australia met the Netherlands for the vital game. Batting first on a good batting surface, they posted 399/5 in their allotted 50 overs. Opening batter, David Warner, clubbed a fine knock of 104 runs in just 93 balls with 11 fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 111.82.

Marnus Labuschagne continued the momentum with 62 runs in just 47balls. But for the champions to get to a mammoth score, the biggest contribution came from Glenn Maxwell, who bashed 106 runs in just 44 balls at a strike rate of 240.90, smashing nine boundaries and eight sixes in the innings.  

None of the Dutch batters were able to spend time in the middle as they were bundled out for 90 runs in the second innings, allowing Australia to earn a huge victory by 309 runs.

5. 392/8 vs South Africa 

It’s the clash at Bloemfontein between the Aussies and the Proteas in 2023 when the former posted 392/8 in their first innings. Their opening batter, David Warner, drilled 106 runs in 93 balls with the help of 12 boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 113.97, while Head creamed 64 runs in 36 deliveries at a strike rate of around 180.

Labuschagne smashed 124 runs in 99 balls at a strike rate of 125.25, decorated with 19 boundaries and one six. Josh Inglis drilled 50 runs in 37 balls with seven boundaries and one six as they fired their way to 392 runs.

In reply, South Africa posted 269 to lose the game. For the home side, most of their batters got starts, but none of them were able to convert them to a big score, which didn’t help them in the chase. They faced defeat by 123 runs in the encounter. 

Slowly but surely Simon Katich marked his name in cricket with his unmatchable batting skills. On this day (August 21, 1975), Simon was born in Middle Swan, Western Australia. He was finally picked up for the Australia cricket team during the 2001 Ashes tour.

Expectations were high around him as he smashed tons of runs in the 2000-01 domestic season. Before making his strides into the international arena, Katich hit 1282 first-class runs and a century against every state. His debut international match was with 15 and 0 runs in a match against England. Then, selectors took the tough call to bench the batter. Two years later, when he came back to Australia again, it turned out to be a successful launch.

Katich, mostly known for his batting, polished his bowling hands too to contribute in a more significant way. Against Zimbabwe, he took 6 for 65 with his left-arm legspin in the second innings in Sydney. In the same year, at SCG, when Australia was up against India, Katich wreaked havoc by registering his maiden Test century.

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Australia vs India, SCG, 2004

It was a high-scoring match between India and Australia, where India, the touring team, registered 705/7d & 211/2d in the first and second innings, respectively. Sachin Tendulkar was outstanding, scoring an unbeaten 241 runs in the first innings, followed by the second innings' 60 not out. Justin Langer and Simon Katich kept the home team in the fight, especially after India's mammoth first-innings score. Katich, then a middle-order batsman, scored 125 off 166. Anil Kumble emerged as the real deal for the Australia batting lineup. The legendary spinner single-handedly took 8 wickets in the Aussies' first innings. He claimed the scalp of Katich too.

In the second innings, while Australia was chasing a target of 443 runs, Kumble again came as a major threat for them by taking 4 more wickets in the game. Katich showed great resilience and patience to keep himself on the wicket. The match eventually ended in a draw. Katich remained not out for 77 when Australia lost 6 wickets. 

Summary of the match:

IND: 705/7d & 211/2d

AUS: (T:443) 474 & 357/6

Match drawn

Young Australian batting talent Sam Konstas has committed himself to the Sydney Thunder for the long term by signing a four-year contract extension that will see him in a Thunder shirt until the 2028–29 Big Bash League.

Konstas, 19 years old, has already been on a rollercoaster ride in international cricket. He averaged just 8.33 runs in three Test matches in the West Indies, but the young opener is set on bouncing back and being more consistent. To re-establish his rhythm and sharpen his focus, he has deleted Instagram from his phone to remove any distractions.

“I’m actually off Instagram now… It’s just not having that distraction. I am trying to give myself the best chance to perform at that level,” Konstas said. "I've had the support of all the senior players in the group, and in particular, Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, and Mitchell Starc have been great in terms of support. Steve Smith has been good at sharing batting advice, and the way he shared with me how Pat Cummins reminded everyone about how important it was to balance and rest."

Konstas signs on with Thunder, from record debut to boyhood dream

Despite recent challenges, Konstas' talent and potential remain clear. He made an impact on his BBL debut last season when he slammed a 20-ball half-century, the quickest in Thunder history, which made him the competition's youngest to reach the milestone. Konstas was part of Australia's Under-19 World Cup-winning team and is viewed as a potential building block of the national team.

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Konstas feels sentiment towards his contract as a Thunder supporter by nature. "I remember watching Davey Warner, Michael Hussey, and Andre Russell play for Thunder in the stands, so to now extend for another four years is very exciting to me," he said. "Batting with Davey last season was a massive, massive learning opportunity. Obviously, he’s very strategic, but he gave me clarity and freedom to just play my game. We've got an exciting group again this year, adding Shadab Khan. I feel like this is the year we’re going to dominate."

Trent Copeland, the General Manager of the Thunder, called the extension one of the easiest decisions of his career. "Sam continues to progress amazingly. From breaking records on debut to developing across formats, this deal showcases his growth, and we are excited to continue on this journey with him, as we believe he can be a Thunder player for life".

South Africa suffered a serious setback on the eve of their three-match one-day international (ODI) series against Australia as pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada was ruled out of the rubber due to inflammation of his right ankle.

The 30-year-old underwent a scan on Monday (August 18), which confirmed the seriousness of the injury. Cricket South Africa announced that Rabada would stay in Australia to start rehabilitation with the team's medical team. "Proteas Men's fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia due to inflammation of his right ankle," CSA said in a statement.

Kwena Maphaka Called Up

In light of Rabada's absence, left-arm quick Kwena Maphaka, 19, has been called up into the squad. The young bowler was the standout bowler for South Africa in a T20I series they recently played, and finished the series as the leading wicket-taker, while now he's getting his opportunity in the 50-over format. 

Already missing Marco Jansen, who is recovering from surgery on his left thumb, the South African pace unit will be led by Lungi Ngidi, backed up by Nandre Burger and Maphaka, along with all-rounders Wiaan Mulder and Corbin Bosch for additional seam options, with a spin unit inclusive of Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, and Prenelan Subrayen offering plenty of variety.

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First ODI in Cairns

The series is being played at Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns, and South Africa have Ngidi, Burger, and Mulder as their seam brigade, along with Subrayen, who made his ODI debut, with Maharaj leading the spin attack.

Australia is led by Mitchell Marsh, standing in as captain, who won the toss and bowled first, saying that the surface looked dry. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said he would have done the same if he had won the toss.

Series Outlook

Australia comes into the ODI leg with confidence after winning the T20I series 2-1. South Africa, however, missing Rabada and Jansen puts extra pressure on the younger bowlers, but at least the second and third ODIs will both be played in Mackay at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, on 22 and 24 August.

There is a World Cup coming, and both teams can use the series as an opportunity to look at depth and combinations, though for the Proteas, it will depend on how well their emerging attack performs without their senior quicks.

It could be the best Test match for Sri Lanka after making its debut in the format. On August 19, 1992, on a single day, three Sri Lankan batters scored centuries. Asanka Gurusinha, Arjuna Ranatunga (c), and Romesh Kaluwitharana hit hundreds on a single day of the game.

It was bad luck for them; after fighting brilliantly toe-to-toe with the powerful Australia cricket team, they did not manage to win the match. In the second innings of the Test, Sri Lanka, the host, faced a batting disaster after Aravinda de Silva's dismissal.

Sri Lanka was all set to pull out a historic win, but Silva's overaggressive batting approach invited trouble for them and paved a passage for Australia to win the contest. Greg Matthews won the man of the match award for his all-round performance. In reply to Australia's 256, Sri Lanka registered a staggering 547/8d with the help of three centuries. Asanka Gurusinha, Arjuna Ranatunga, and Romesh Kaluwitharana scored 137, 127, and 132 runs, respectively.

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A wicket shift the momentum 

Australia did not hold back; they went shoulder to shoulder with the host, scoring 471 in their second innings. Though, they were able to set a target of 181, which was chaseable. Sri Lanka, in the final innings of the match, started to bat with full confidence. By then, they might have started to imagine their victory lap at Colombo. When Silva lost his scalp as the third wicket of the innings, Sri Lanka had127 runs; the target was 181. 

Australia won the match by 16 runs. From 127 for 3 to 164 for 10, Sri Lanka lost their remaining 7 batters after scoring only 37 runs. Greg Matthews claimed 4 wickets for Australia for their winning cause. 

Summary of the match:

AUS: 256 & 471

SL: (T:181) 547/8d & 164

Australia won the match by 16 runs.