Australia’s coach, Andrew McDonald, has affirmed that Steve Smith remains a viable candidate for selection in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad.
With the T20I series against New Zealand underway, Australia’s T20I captain, Mitchell Marsh, delineated the team’s batting lineup, indicating stability in the top order with David Warner, Travis Head, and himself holding the first three positions.
Marsh, speaking ahead of the series opener, mentioned his consistency at number three, while acknowledging the excellence of Warner and Head, suggesting they will likely retain their spots in the top three.
However, questions linger regarding Steve Smith‘s role in the T20 World Cup squad, especially considering Australia’s depth in the middle order with players like Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Matt Short, and Tim David.
Coach McDonald, however, reassured that Smith is still very much in contention for the global tournament, emphasizing the team’s intention to experiment with different combinations leading up to the World Cup.
McDonald, following Australia’s victory over New Zealand in the first T20I, emphasized Smith‘s inclusion in the squad, indicating that the team has planned for his involvement since as far back as August-September 2023, despite a wrist injury preventing him from playing in South Africa.
Since the 2022 T20 World Cup, Smith has been utilized as an opener twice in the T20I setup against India last year, hinting that he may continue in that role.
McDonald highlighted the ongoing importance of these matches in finalizing Australia’s squad for the World Cup, noting the fluidity of the selection process with 20 players under consideration and the need to assess performances in the IPL as well.
While a final playing XI is not yet decided, the focus remains on building a versatile squad capable of adapting to the challenges posed by the West Indies surfaces.
The remaining two T20Is in the series will be held in Auckland on 23 and 25 February, providing further opportunities for assessment and selection.
