Last Updated on 16 hours ago by Charbel Coorey
As Australia produced terrible performances in Pakistan, selectors decided against selecting Steve Smith in their final squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Instead, Matt Renshaw won a place as a middle order replacement ahead of Matt Short. Ben Dwarshuis for the injured Pat Cummins was the other squad change.
Australia’s issues against spin were on full display in Pakistan, collapsing to totals of 108 and 96 in the final two T20Is which they lost by 90 and 111 runs respectively. The Pakistan spinners combined for 22 wickets in the three matches as the Australians couldn’t get going.
As the carnage unfolded, fans wondered why selectors passed on Steve Smith given his ability against spin. George Bailey is on record of saying that Australia’s top order is settled, while selector Tony Dodemaide echoed similar thoughts.
“Matt (Renshaw) has impressed in all formats of late, including in multiple roles in white ball formats for Australia, Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat,” he said, as quoted by cricket.com.au.
“With the top order settled and spin heavy conditions expected in the pool stages in Sri Lanka, we also feel Matt provides extra middle-order support, with Tim David completing his return-to-play program in the early phase of the tournament.
“As a left-hander, he (Renshaw) also offers a point of difference to the middle order batting.”
Steve Smith not picked in 2026 T20 World Cup squad: Fans react
Smith was outstanding in the recent 2025/26 Big Bash League (BBL) season. He smashed 299 runs at an average of 59.80 and strike rate of 167.97. He achieved these numbers as opener, and that’s how the selectors view his role rather than batting him at three.
However, fans are not convinced, especially as a number of the current squad members are out of form. Australia will play their group games in Sri Lanka where spin is very likely to play a key role.
“Aust can still win the T20 World Cup but there are worrying issues. Several batsmen are out of form at the wrong time.(Maxwell, Inglis,Connolly) and several key players carrying injuries. (Ellis, David, Hazelwood) and our best player Smith is not in the squad,” wrote former Australian cricketer and current Fox Cricket commentator Mark Waugh.
“Australia look awful against the spinners in this series and our best player of spin bowling, Steve Smith, isn’t going to the World Cup,” wrote Andrew Menzcel, co-host of the Cricket Unfiltered Podcast.
Here are some of the other reactions.
Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign begins on February 11 against Ireland in Colombo.
Australia squad: Mitch Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
