Starc Retires From T20Is: Alternative Pacers Whom Australia Can Pick For 2026 World Cup

Spencer Johnson can be a replacement for Starc [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X]

On Tuesday, Australia's legendary fast bowler Mitchell Starc bid adieu to the shortest format, announcing his retirement from T20I cricket. Starc represented Australia in 65 T20Is, scalping 79 wickets at a healthy strike rate of 18.5. 

Considering his ability to make the new ball talk at a rapid pace and nail yorkers at will, Starc's retirement has created a significant void in Australia's T20I setup. Therefore, with the T20 World Cup coming up, here are three left-arm pacers who can replace the talismanic cricketer in the Australian setup. 

Ben Dwarshuis

(Ben Dwarshuis' T20I stats)

Why Ben Dwarshuis could be a quality replacement for Starc?

• All-phase bowler like Starc: Ben Dwarshuis isn't as quick as Mitchell Starc; however, his ability to swing the ball both ways makes him a valuable asset in the powerplay, as Australia don't have another frontline swing bowler in their squad. Additionally, Dwarshuis can be effective across phases with his cutters and slow balls, having registered excellent numbers in the Big Bash League. 
• Handy lower-order batter: Just like Mitchell Starc, Ben Dwarshuis can hit the long ball. He can play crucial cameos lower down the order, further making his case stronger as Starc's first-choice replacement. 

Jason Behrendorff

(Jason Behrendorff's T20I stats)

Why Jason Behrendorff could be a quality replacement for Starc?

• More accurate than Dwarshuis, recent BBL form: As evidenced by his economy rate of 8.35, Jason Behrendorff has been more disciplined as a bowler than Dwarshuis in T20Is. The vastly experienced bowler, who has played 177 T20S apart from 29 international white-ball games for Australia, enjoyed stellar success in the BBL 2024-25, finishing as the tournament's most successful bowler with 17 wickets across ten matches. 
• Experience of playing in the subcontinent: The 2026 T20 World Cup will be held in India, and Jason Behrendorff has the experience of playing in the country, having represented multiple franchises in the IPL. His ability to swing the new ball and keep the batters under the pump with nagging accuracy could make him a handy player for Australia in the tournament. 

Spencer Johnson

(Spencer Johnson's T20I stats)

Why Spencer Johnson could be a quality replacement for Starc?

• Tall and extra pace: If we look at the physical appearance of all these players, Spencer Johnson seems like the most suitable left-arm pacer to replace Mitchell Starc. Although he has blown hot and cold in limited opportunities in T20Is, Johnson can make the opponent batters uncomfortable with searing pace and his hit-the-deck bowling. 
• An asset on lively pitches: Spencer Johnson enjoys bowling on lively decks, having played most of his cricket at the Brisbane Cricket Ground. So, if Australia get a few games in Kolkata or Mumbai where fast bowlers get genuine assistance with the new ball, Johnson can be their game-changer at these venues. 

---

ALSO READ

Best Spells By Mitchell Starc In T20I Cricket

---