Steve Smith was officially added to Australia’s T20 World Cup squad in time for Monday night’s must-win clash with hosts Sri Lanka, but he remained omitted from the squad.
Australia were beaten by eight wickets Smith watched from the sidelines as Australia lost 77-10 in an astonishing batting collapse, leaving his country on the brink of being eliminated in the group stage.
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Smith flew in as cover for captain Mitchell Marsh, but Marsh injured his testicle near the net, resulting in him missing the opening two games.
Marsh was back at the top of the table alongside Travis Head, but after both had half-centuries, there was no place for Smith.
The superstar batsman has been locked in as a short-format opener by Australian selectors due to his excellent big-bash form with the new ball and lackluster returns in the middle-order before bowing out in 2022.
However, many Australian fans had hoped that the selectors would ditch one of the out-of-form duo, Cameron Green or Glenn Maxwell, to make room for one of the country’s best-ever spin players.
Match report: ‘Toothless’ Australian faces early WC exit after ‘shocking’ defeat as ‘big problems’ exposed
It turned out to be Matt Renshaw. Who is the top player who scored a fighting 65 in the loss against Zimbabwe?Marcus Stoinis remained healthy despite appearing to injure his hand in the previous game, paving the way for Marsh’s return.
Rather than go for in-form journeymen like Smith or Renshaw, Australia decided to go with the power-packed top seven they have built in the two years since the last World Cup in the Caribbean.
Spin bowling all-rounder Cooper Connolly was also selected at number eight, replacing coordinator Matthew Kuhneman.
It would be an understatement to say that the selectors’ decision was not well-received.
“What is Renshaw doing wearing a high-vis vest?” former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy said on Tuesday’s SENQ breakfast.
“The team we put out last night was no good. They didn’t smell class anywhere.”
He added: “The bowling attack is incredibly poor.”
Smith could have been permanently included in Australia’s 15-man squad sooner, taking advantage of the vacant spot left by injured Josh Hazlewood.
However, selectors decided to wait until Monday to formally decide on his promotion.
“ICC regulations state that squad changes must be submitted and valid at least one day before the match,” said selector Tony Dodemide.
“With Steve here and also the uncertainty around Mitch and Marcus Stoinis, it makes sense for him (Smith) to be activated and available for selection in time for games if needed.”
Smith has not played a T20I for Australia since February 2024 but has been a force in the Big Bash League over the past few summers.
Australia are on the brink of being eliminated from the World Cup after a heavy loss to Zimbabwe and a crushing loss to Sri Lanka, with Zimbabwe losing their remaining two games (against Ireland and Sri Lanka) and needing to regain their net run rate.
“I’m really shocked,” Ashton Agar said. ESPNCricinfo About Australia’s plight.
“We have a rich history in the World Cup and we hate losing… They hate it and the public will jump on their backs… They will be deeply disappointed.”
Current T20 World Cup Group B Standings
1. Sri Lanka (3-0, 2.462 NRR)
2. Zimbabwe (2-0, 1.984 NRR)
3. Australia (1-2, 0.414 NRR)
4. Ireland (1-2, 0.150 NRR)
5. Oman (0-3, -4.455 NRR)