Steve Smith ruled out of T20 World Cup 2024? Ricky Ponting shocks the cricketing world with a massive revelation
Published - 12 Mar 2024, 11:51 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:27 AM
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting discussed whether Steve Smith should be part of the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Ricky Ponting stated that while Steve Smith might make the World Cup squad, he might not feature in the starting lineup.
Steve Smith hasn’t been a regular member of Australia’s squad in the shorter format. The right-handed batter has played only four T20I matches since the 2022 T20 World Cup on home soil. His last T20I match was during the multi-format tour of New Zealand.
The 34-year-old was omitted from the playing XI in the initial match in New Zealand. He posted scores of 11 runs and 4 runs in the subsequent two matches of the series. The champion batter has only achieved a single score exceeding 20 runs in his last four matches.
Don’t Think He Will Be In The Starting XI – Ricky Ponting
During the recent episode of The ICC Review, Ricky Ponting emphasized the importance of experienced players like Steve Smith in a World Cup team. However, Ponting also stressed the necessity of evaluating Smith’s potential role within the squad.
“You love having guys like him around because of the experience and the calming influence that you can have around a team during a World Cup,” Ponting said.
“But the other thing you always have to be mindful of is what role can he play? So I would think if Steve Smith does find his way into the squad, I don’t think he will be in the starting XI,” he added.
David Warner and Travis Head are poised to maintain their promising opening partnership for Australia in the upcoming World Cup in June. Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, and Tim David have cemented their place in the team’s batting line for the ICC tournament.
Warner, Head, Maxwell, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc will play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Steve Smith’s absence from the action will dim prospects for his selection in the marquee tournament due to a lack of recent playing opportunities.
I’d Have Steve Smith In The Squad – Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting acknowledged Steve Smith’s value in the squad, but he hinted that the 34-year-old might not be in his preferred starting lineup for the upcoming tournament.
“And I think that’s probably been shown the last couple of weeks with the series they just played in New Zealand. I think he opened the batting in a couple of those games, but not all of those games and they’re sort of spreading the load around a little bit trying to find their right combination, but would I have him in the squad? I think I’d have him in the squad, but he wouldn’t be in my starting XI,” Ponting further stated.
Steve Smith participated in Australia’s T20 World Cup 2022 but featured in just one match. Across 67 T20I appearances, Smith has amassed 1094 runs at an average of 24.86 and a strike rate of 125.46. He has hit five half-centuries with a best score of 90 runs.
