Veteran Australian batter Steve Smith‘s hopes of competing in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 appear bleak, as selectors prioritize younger players. Reports suggest Smith is unlikely to secure a spot in Australia’s squad for the tournament.
The T20 World Cup, scheduled for June 1st in the USA and the West Indies, requires participating teams to submit provisional squads by May 1st. While teams are finalizing their line-ups, New Zealand has already revealed its squad for the global T20 competition.
As per reports from Code Sports, Australia is contemplating removing Steve Smith from their squad for the forthcoming tournament. Furthermore, Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has been in exceptional form during the current IPL 2024 season, could also be overlooked for selection in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Steve Smith excluded from consideration for the T20 World Cup 2024 squad
Fraser-McGurk’s explosive batting displays for the Delhi Capitals (DC) during the ongoing IPL 2024 have attracted significant attention, with both fans and experts expecting his inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad.
However, Australian selectors are reportedly overlooking him for the prestigious event. With only five IPL innings, Fraser-McGurk has accumulated 247 runs at an outstanding strike rate of 237.50. Conversely, Smith’s probable omission from the 2024 T20 World Cup squad wouldn’t shock many, considering his recent difficulties in the T20 format.
Fox Sports recently reported former Australian captain Michael Clarke as saying:
“The selectors have to be thinking about Jake now, with the team just a few days away from being selected. It’s hard to leave him out to be honest, the way he’s played so far. I imagine conditions will be pretty similar in the Caribbean, slower wickets with that extra power in the Powerplay needed. He’s done his chances no harm, and I’d love to see him in that squad.”
Meanwhile, it’s expected that Australia’s T20 World Cup lineup will see David Warner and the inform Travis Head opening the innings, while Mitchell Marsh is anticipated to occupy the number three position in the batting order.
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