Why cricket star AGREES with the decision to overlook Steve Smith from Australia’s T20 World Cup squad
One of Steve Smith’s long-time teammates has revealed he wasn’t surprised the 36-year-old was left out of Australia’s squad for the T20 World Cup.
Kurtis Patterson, who has played alongside Smith for many years with the NSW Blues, understands the decision completely.
He believes Smith being a specialist opening batter in the T20 format actually hurts his case.
If selectors were to pick the Test vice-captain, either Australia’s T20 skipper Mitch Marsh or the rampaging Travis Head would have to make way.
‘I do understand it,’ Patterson told News Corp.
‘He’s done so well opening the batting for the Sixers, but the things that you read (from the Australian selectors) all make sense.’
Kurtis Patterson (pictured, in his only Test match in 2019 where he scored a century) understands why Steve Smith was left out of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad
Smith (pictured) was a standout for the Sydney Sixers where they made the recent BBL final
The 36-year-old Test legend (pictured) has scored four BBL centuries in his decorated career
Patterson also believes Smith would be the perfect replacement if either Head or Marsh is injured.
‘If Trav or Mitch goes down, I’m sure he’s the next man on the first flight over there,’ the veteran NSW player added.
Plenty of eyebrows were raised after Smith was left out of the 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup, which starts next week.
It comes despite Smith peeling off 299 runs in just six innings for the Sixers after the Ashes Test series concluded.
The decision was slammed by Aussie cricket legend Mark Waugh.
‘Aust can still win the T20 World Cup, but there are worrying issues,’ he posted on X.
‘Several batsmen are out of form at the wrong time…and several key players carrying injuries…and our best player Smith is not in the squad.’
Fox Cricket commentator Mark Waugh (pictured) believes Smith is Australia’s ‘best player’ in all formats
Smith has played 67 T20 international matches for Australia, plundering five 50s, with a highest score of 90.
He has since signed for the Sialkot Stallionz ahead of the Pakistan Super League starting next month.
Australia’s World Cup campaign begins when they take on Ireland on February 11.
Their last T20 World Cup venture ended with the side being defeated by India in the semi-finals.
The upcoming tournament takes place in India and Sri Lanka.
