Australia selectors leave Smith and Fraser-McGurk from T20 World Cup squad

MELBOURNE: Australia’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup has sparked debate and disappointment as selectors have chosen to leave out veteran campaigner Steve Smith and overlooked rising star Jake Fraser-McGurk, despite his remarkable performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Smith, a pivotal member of Australia’s victorious squad at the 2021 tournament, has been sidelined after missing out on an IPL contract, despite his recent T20 appearances against New Zealand earlier this year.

In contrast, Fraser-McGurk, although uncapped in T20 internationals, showcased his talent with a stunning display in the IPL, scoring 247 runs in just five matches for the Delhi Capitals at an astonishing strike rate of 237.50. Despite his impressive form, selectors opted not to include him in the squad, citing the challenges of narrowing down their options to a squad of 15.

Chief selector George Bailey acknowledged the difficulty of the selection process, highlighting the need to balance different scenarios and cover various options. The squad includes Ashton Agar as a second spinner and Cameron Green as a back-up all-rounder, while maintaining loyalty to the core players who secured Australia’s sixth 50-over World Cup title in India last November.

Mitchell Marsh has been confirmed as captain of the 15-man squad, with Josh Inglis named as a reserve wicketkeeper. The Australian team will strive to maintain their dominance across all three major global formats, aiming to secure the T20 World Cup title in the United States and the Caribbean, following their victories in the World Test Championship and the 50-over World Cup.
Australia squad:
David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (capt), Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Ashton Agar, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis