Australian Icon Overlooked for World Cup Prelude Selection
The Australian cricket landscape is currently buzzing as star player Steve Smith has been overlooked for selection in the upcoming Twenty20 matches against Pakistan. Despite showing exceptional form in the Big Bash League (BBL), where he showcased his skills for the Sydney Sixers, Smith will not join the national team for the crucial pre-World Cup tour.
World Cup Prelude: Selection and Expectations
Australia is preparing for a tour to Pakistan ahead of the ICC World Cup scheduled in India and Sri Lanka next month. Although many expected Smith’s impressive BBL performances to warrant a call-up, the selection committee has opted for other players, including Mitch Marsh and Travis Head, to secure their positions at the top of the batting order.
Smith’s Big Bash League Performance
- Steve Smith has delivered outstanding performances in the BBL.
- He has consistently outperformed peers in the league.
- Smith remains a formidable player in T20 cricket.
Chief selector George Bailey acknowledged Smith’s exceptional skills but noted the competition he faces. Bailey stated that while Smith is a “level above” the BBL, Marsh and Head are currently in top form as well.
Insights from George Bailey
- Bailey believes Smith’s future opportunities may come from different batting positions.
- He highlighted Smith’s ability to excel in T20 international cricket.
- Concerns about the unique BBL rules were also mentioned, indicating it requires adjustment for international play.
Despite Smith’s exclusion, the squad for the series against Pakistan has seen the addition of new talents like Mahli Beardman, who has been gaining recognition for his performance in domestic cricket. Bailey expressed optimism about Beardman’s potential and highlighted that he has demonstrated a commendable skill set.
Upcoming Squad for Pakistan Series
| Player Name | Club/Association |
|---|---|
| Mitchell Marsh (c) | Perth Scorchers/Fremantle Cricket Club |
| Sean Abbott | Sydney Sixers/Parramatta District Cricket Club |
| Xavier Bartlett | Brisbane Heat/Gold Coast Cricket Club |
| Mahli Beardman | Perth Scorchers/Melville Cricket Club |
| Cooper Connolly | Perth Scorchers/Scarborough Cricket Club |
| Ben Dwarshuis | Sydney Sixers/Sutherland Cricket Club |
| Jack Edwards | Sydney Sixers/Manly Warringah Cricket Club |
| Cameron Green | Subiaco-Floreat Cricket Club |
| Travis Head | Adelaide Strikers/Tea Tree Gully Cricket Club |
| Josh Inglis | Perth Scorchers/Joondalup Cricket Club |
| Matthew Kuhnemann | Brisbane Heat/Clarence Cricket Club |
| Mitch Owen | Hobart Hurricanes/New Town Cricket Club |
| Josh Philippe | Sydney Sixers/Western Suburbs District Cricket Club |
| Matthew Renshaw | Brisbane Heat/Toombul Cricket Club |
| Matthew Short | Adelaide Strikers/Northcote Cricket Club |
| Marcus Stoinis | Melbourne Stars/Scarborough Cricket Club |
| Adam Zampa | Melbourne Renegades/Sutherland Cricket Club |
As the Australian team prepares for this important international series, all eyes will be on the selected players. The challenge now lies in balancing form, fitness, and performance to ensure a successful outing in the World Cup.
