Steve Smith, batting No. 3, scored a five-game run when Australia suffered an eight-wicket loss to England in Dubai; Shane Warne says Mitchell Marsh should be on the T20 side ahead of former test captain
Steve Smith made 35 and 28 not out in Australia’s victories against South Africa and Sri Lanka earlier in the Super 12 phase.
Shane Warne has criticized Steve Smith’s inclusion in the Australian T20 World Cup squad following their tough loss to England on Saturday.
Smith, who hit No. 3, scored a five-game run as Australia set a goal of 126, which England hit at 12th to record a dominant eight-wicket victory in Dubai.
Warne, one of Australia’s top test and ODI players, said Mitchell Marsh should have been selected for the game, while also challenging how off-roader Glenn Maxwell was used in his batting order.
“Australia’s disappointing selection leaves (Mitch) Marsh out and (Glenn) Maxwell hitting in the power play (should always come in after the power play),” he wrote on Twitter.
“(Marcus) Stoinis should have come in. Bad strategy and tactics from the Australians. I love Smith, but he shouldn’t be in the T / 20 team. Marsh has to be.”
Former Test Captain Smith scored 35 and 28 points in Australia’s victories against South Africa and Sri Lanka, respectively, before England overtook them.
Warne also praised Eoin Morgan’s team, which is now atop Group 1 in the 12-team Super 12 phase.
The top two teams from each of the two six-nation groups will advance to the semi-finals.
“Good T / 20 cricket from England!” Warne added on social media.
“Hopefully Australia will learn how they should play after the beating they got with the Poms.
“Pakistan and England are demonstrating how to play T / 20 cricket. Australia needs to change their thinking about the style of play and the team.”
Australia is next in action against Bangladesh in Dubai on Thursday (9:30 am, Sky Sports Cricket and Main Event).
Watch the T20 World Cup live on Sky from now until November 14.
