Aaron Finch picked his Australia playing XI for the T20 World Cup 2024, opting to exclude Steve Smith and instead favoring the versatility of wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis.
Ahead of the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup set to take place in the West Indies and the United States of America in June, former Australia T20 World Cup-winning captain, Aaron Finch, has unveiled his ideal squad, notably omitting star batter Steve Smith. Finch expressed confidence in wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis, citing his versatility and capability to fulfill the finisher role, which he believes offers more adaptability compared to Smith.
In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Finch explained his decision, emphasizing the abundant number of batters present in the team’s lineup.
“I probably don’t have him (Smith) in the 11 at the moment and the reason for that is I think there’s enough batting firepower right there in the list… Josh Inglis, he’s so versatile that he can almost play the role that Steve Smith plays but also a finisher as well,” said the former skipper.
Smith, keen on joining the World Cup squad, lacks recent T20 experience, having not played in the Big Bash League (BBL) or Indian Premier League (IPL) for the past two years. Despite his absence from the T20I series against the West Indies starting on February 9, the 34-year-old is slated to feature in the upcoming three-match T20I series against New Zealand starting on February 21.
Marcus Stoinis also holds a spot in the playing XI, but spin all-rounder Matt Short could replace him depending on the match scenario.
“I’ve got Marcus Stoinis and Matt Short in. In the Caribbean, the wickets can spin a lot as well. I’d like to have the option of Matt Short or Marcus Stoinis if you feel like you need that extra cover with the ball,” Finch explained.
For pace options, Finch chose Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, while Adam Zampa is the sole frontline spinner in the squad.
Aaron Finch’s T20 World Cup Playing XI for Australia:
David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis/Matthew Short, Tim David, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, and Josh Hazlewood
Last Updated on February 8, 2024
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