Pakistan cricket figures have questioned Australia’s commitment to touring the country, with one accusing the visitors of “insulting fans” by rolling out below strength teams in the current three-match T20 series. Australia is already 2-0 down on the back of two sub-standard performances, with cricket selectors facing fresh criticism over the decision not to include the in-form Steve Smith in the squad for this month’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Despite the out-of-form Matt Short being left out of the World Cup line-up – on top of Pat Cummins’ withdrawal through injury – a spot still could not be found for Smith despite his sublime BBL campaign with the Sydney Sixers. Queenslander Matt Renshaw replaces Short and Ben Dwarshuis takes Cummins’ place, with Smith on standby should injury open up a position.
Pakistan cricket figures have questioned Australia’s commitment to touring the country after a number of big names missed the tour, while calls grow for Steve Smith (pictured right) to be reinstated into the T20 squad. (Images: Getty Images)
Australian cricketing great Mark Waugh has been banging the Smith drum for weeks and cannot believe the Aussies will go into the World Cup without arguably the game’s leading batsmen.
He said: “It really does defy logic that Steve Smith is not in the World Cup squad. Get him in there as simple as that.”
Australian selector Tony Dodemaide defended the decision, stating: “Steve is an exceptional player who has worked very hard on his short form game and was rewarded with a great stint in the Big Bash batting at the top for the Sixers.
“The current T20 has been very successful building into this tournament so we’re well placed in that area. “If a replacement is required, Steve is very much in contention and this has been communicated with him.”
Australia has lost the opening two T20 games in the series against Pakistan.
(Sameer Ali via Getty Images)Australia reeling after humiliating defeat
The continued debate over Smith’s non-selection comes as Australia was left reeling after another heavy defeat in the World Cup warm-up series in Pakistan. The tourists went down by 90 runs after being bowled out for a paltry 108 on Saturday – Australia’s biggest T20 loss in 21 years.
On top of a subdued 22-run defeat in the first game, questions are being asked in Pakistan as to why Australia decided to rest several frontline players from this series. Former Pakistan Test captain Moin Khan said: “In recent times we have seen New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia come with weakened teams to Pakistan. “It is as if they are fulfilling their formality to play a series.”
Ex-Test batsmen and chief selector Haroon Rasheed added: “It is a bit perplexing coming to play a three-match series so close to the World Cup and not fielding your best players when they have to play in similar conditions in the tournament.” Cricket analyst Omair Alavi went a step further, declaring it “an insult to Pakistan cricket fans”.