T20 World Cup 2024: Steve Smith's WC dream in jeopardy as Cricket Australia looks for young blood

Veteran Australian batter Steve Smith’s dream to play in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is likely to shatter with the national selectors looking for the young blood. Smith won't reportedly find a place in Australia's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2024.

The T20 World Cup 2024 is set to be held in the USA and the West Indies on June 1st. The participating teams have until May 1st to submit their provisional squads for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. While the teams are finalizing their line-ups for the ICC event, New Zealand has already announced its squad for the global T20 competition.

Well, according to Code Sports, Australia is considering dropping Steve Smith from their roster for the upcoming tournament. Additionally, Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has been in scintillating form in the ongoing IPL 2024, might also miss out on T20 World Cup 2024 selection.

Steve Smith out of the T20 World Cup 2024 selection race

STEVE SMITH SET TO BE DROPPED FOR THE T20I WORLD CUP 2024. [Code Sports] pic.twitter.com/JnpDceCtHp

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 29, 2024

Fraser-McGurk's explosive batting performances for the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the ongoing IPL 2024 have garnered a lot of attention, with fans and experts anticipating his inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad. However, Australian selectors are reportedly not considering him for the showpiece event.

In just five IPL innings, Fraser-McGurk has amassed 247 runs at an exceptional strike rate of 237.50. On the other hand, Smith's potential exclusion from the 2024 T20 World Cup squad wouldn't come as a surprise to many, given his recent struggles in the T20 format.

Recently, former Australian captain Michael Clarke was quoted as saying by Fox Sports: “The selectors have to be thinking about Jake now, with the team just a few days away from being selected. It’s hard to leave him out to be honest, the way he’s played so far. I imagine conditions will be pretty similar in the Caribbean, slower wickets with that extra power in the Powerplay needed. He’s done his chances no harm, and I’d love to see him in that squad.”

Meanwhile, Australia's T20 World Cup squad is likely to feature David Warner and the in-form Travis Head as their preferred opening pair, with Mitchell Marsh likely to bat at number three for them.

Australia will field a strong team for T20 World Cup 2024

In the all-rounders' category, Glenn Maxwell is likely to be picked as the spin bowling all-rounder, and he will be complemented by the dynamic all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green.

Josh Inglis is also likely to secure the wicketkeeper-batsman’s spot alongside the seasoned Matthew Wade in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad. Tim David is expected to get the finisher's role for the Kangaroos in the upcoming mega event.

Australia's pace bowling attack is predicted to be comprised of the familiar trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, and they will be supported by Nathan Ellis, who is known for his impressive bowling in the death overs.

The spin bowling department is highly likely to be led by the experienced duo of Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar to provide depth and variety to the Australian bowling lineup at the 2024 T20 World Cup.