As the ICC T20 World Cup draws closer, concerns regarding player selection arise in the Australian camp, with Matthew Wade expressing skepticism about Steve Smith’s inclusion in the final 15-man squad.
Despite securing their 100th T20I victory with a recent whitewash against New Zealand, the Australian team is facing a dilemma in finalizing their T20 World Cup squad. According to Matthew Wade, with in-form batters like David Warner and Travis Head solidifying their top-order positions, and power hitters like Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell showcasing exceptional skills, finding a spot for Steve Smith is challenging.
Wade shared his thoughts about the difficulty in accommodating Smith, stating, “Smithy hasn’t played a heap of T20 cricket in the last little bit for Australia, and there will be chats around those final few positions in the 15. Fingers crossed he makes it, but there’s always going to be someone that’s unlucky, and I’m not sure who that’s going to be this time.”
He further emphasized the competitive nature of selection, highlighting, “It’s going to be tough to squeeze in that 15, whoever you are. It’s going to be tight for those last few spots, I don’t envy George’s (chief selector George Bailey) position.”
According to Wade, the selection criteria prioritize players who could swiftly change the game’s momentum, a crucial skill in the fast-paced T20 format. He pointed out that Steve Smith’s absence from recent T20 matches potentially weakened his chances of making it to the World Cup squad.
Wade acknowledged the dilemma, stating, “I wouldn’t want to be picking the 15, there are bound to be a couple of unlucky players.” He highlighted the recent T20 performances that had strengthened Australia’s roster, with Smith notably absent.
However, Wade remained optimistic, “As I said, there’s always the possibility of injuries, and guys outside the initial 15 might get opportunities. We’re happy that we have so much depth in the squad” he concluded.
Last Updated on February 26, 2024
