Australia, Feb 17 : Australian cricket icon Mark Waugh has strongly criticised the national selectors for leaving veteran batter Steve Smith out of Australia’s initial squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, calling it “the most baffling non-selection” and an insult to the experienced player.
After suffering back-to-back upset losses to Zimbabwe and co-host Sri Lanka in Group B, Australia’s campaign hangs by a thread, with their Super Eight hopes now dependent on other results.
Smith was added to the squad just hours before the crunch clash with Sri Lanka but was ultimately left out of the playing XI, leaving Waugh bewildered. “The whole campaign was doomed from the start with selection issues and injuries,” he told SENQ Breakfast.
Waugh highlighted Smith’s consistent form in the Big Bash League, his superior spin-play, and fielding prowess, emphasising that he should have been a first-choice pick. He also criticised the omission of in-form Matt Renshaw, who scored 37 and 65 in the opening two matches.
“The selectors have got to pick players who are performing. Maxwell, Connolly, Green, Inglis—all out of form. Yet Smith, clearly the best player, sits on the sidelines. It’s an insult to one of the all-time greats,” Waugh said.
Australia now faces a steep challenge, needing a decisive win against Oman and relying on other results, including an Ireland victory over Zimbabwe, to keep their tournament hopes alive.
The debate over Smith’s handling underscores ongoing concerns about Australia’s T20 World Cup preparations, with Waugh insisting smarter selection strategies were crucial to avoid jeopardising their campaign.