Steve Smith is one of the best cricketers in the world currently, but there might not be room for the right-han batter in Australia’s starting XI in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
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The 33-year-old was dropped from the first T20 against the West Indies.
The selectors have been favouring the services of big-hitting duo Tim David and Cameron Green.
Mitchell Marsh flew to Perth for workload management ahead of the second T20 in Brisbane.
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Michael Clarke has slammed the selectors for picking Cameron Green over Steve Smith in the first T20I against West Indies. Smith was included in the lineup for the second T20I.
It was the ideal opportunity for Smith to push his case forward T20 World Cup selection, he struggled on the Gabba’s pitch, and only made 17 off 16 balls.
Steve Smith was in the squad during last year’s T20 World Cup, but he struggled to find any form on the low and slow pitches in the United Arab Emirates, finishing the tournament with 69 runs in four knocks at a strike rate of less than 100.
The former captain has made seven scores below 10 in his last 12 T20I innings, averaging only 19.14 in the T20Is.
His T20I strike rate of 112.77 is the lowest among Australian top-order batters over the past 12 months.
Marcus Stoinis, is back in the side after recovering from a side strain as the Aussies recalled Daniel Sams, Nathan Ellis, Mitch Swepson and Kane Richardson after resting their first-choice bowling attack for the trip west.
Mitch Marsh has also returned to the XI after missing Friday’s 31-run win over West Indies and was warming up to bowl.
Australia have three genuine bowling options in their top six with him, Green and Stoinis, It’s hard to see Steve Smith make it to the squad.
“I don’t think I can buy into that,” he said. “I’ve probably been guilty of this in the past, trying to up my power game. I’ve tried to do that and it’s just not me. So I’m just being authentic and playing my way, and if I do that, I feel I’m good enough for any team.” said Steve Smith
