Last Updated on 2 months ago by Charbel Coorey
Australia face a must-win clash against 2026 T20 World Cup co-hosts Sri Lanka on Monday. The 2021 champions suffered a crucial 23-run defeat against an impressive Zimbabwe team on Friday that leaves their campaign in the balance.
Not only did Australia lose the match, but they had another injury concern with Marcus Stoinis copping a nasty blow to the hand off a Ryan Burl shot smashed back at him in his follow through. However, he has been cleared of major damage and should play against Sri Lanka.
Australia possible 11 against Sri Lanka: Crucial match for the 2021 champions
1. Travis Head, 2. Mitchell Marsh/Steve Smith, 3. Josh Inglis (wk), 4. Tim David, 5. Cameron Green/Glenn Maxwell, 6. Matt Renshaw, 7. Marcus Stoinis, 8. Cooper Connolly, 9. Nathan Ellis, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Matthew Kuhnemann
Steve Smith has officially been added to Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, as per cricket.com.au. However, where he fits in the XI is the big question. Perhaps his only chance of playing is if Mitchell Marsh is deemed unfit as selector George Bailey is previously on record saying they see Smith only as an opener.
According to CODE Sports, Marsh is a chance of returning. The captain missed the first two matches with internal testicular bleeding after a training incident.
If Marsh plays, Australia face a selection call as Matt Renshaw has been their best batsman so far in this tournament. Should Australia reward Renshaw with a spot in the XI, it could be a toss up between the out-of-form all-rounders Cameron Green and Glenn Maxwell.
Also, cricket.com.au report that Cooper Connolly could feature ahead of both Xavier Bartlett and Ben Dwarshuis. The former went for over 10 an over in his two overs against Ireland, while the latter conceded 40 from four overs against Zimbabwe.
If Australia do go with Connolly, Stoinis, Green and Ellis could make up the seam-bowling options.
In other news, Stoinis was cleared of any major damage to his hand and is expected to play in this match. The all-rounder top-scored with a 29-ball 45 in Australia’s 182 against Ireland before he was the pick of the bowlers against Zimbabwe with 1/17 off 2.5 overs.
Should Australia lose to Sri Lanka, they will need Zimbabwe to lose their last two matches against Ireland and Sri Lanka. Then, Australia could qualify on net run rate with four points if they beat Oman, as Ireland and Zimbabwe will also finish on four.
