India, Sept. 2 -- Mitchell Starc's retirement from T20 internationals has left Australia with a sizeable hole to fill in their pace attack ahead of a busy white-ball calendar and the looming 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Starc, the nation's leading fast bowler in T20Is with 79 wickets, was more than just a strike weapon. His left-arm angle, express pace, and death-overs skill gave Australia variety and balance, particularly in tournaments where matchups matter. As Australia begin their post-Starc era with a three-match T20I series in New Zealand next month, the question now is: who steps into his shoes?

From the current squad named to tour New Zealand, Ben Dwarshuis appears to be the most like-for-like replacement - a left-...