ICC T20 World Cup 2022: George Bailey Believes Steve Smith Won't Play Against New Zealand

According to Australian selector George Bailey, mercurial batsman Steve Smith won’t be in the starting XI for Australia to play New Zealand in the T20 World Cup opener.

Smith has been relegated to the sidelines of the Australian T20 team in recent weeks after starting only two of the five World Cup warm-up games. 

Smith has a low strike rate and managed just 11 runs off 12 balls against India on Monday. 

I Think That Should We Need A Role From Steve Smith At Some Stage: George Bailey

Despite his difficulties, Smith has received encouragement from Michael Clarke, a former Australian captain who pleaded with pickers to choose him for his potential to preserve an innings. 

However, when asked if Smith will have a part to play in the forthcoming match at the SCG, Australian chairman of selectors George Bailey provided a strong hint regarding Smith’s standing. 

“I think all the members of our 15 have a role to play but I don’t think that will be starting in the 11 for Steve,” Bailey said. 

“I think that should we need a role from him at some stage, then absolutely.” 

Bailey’s statement implies that Smith won’t play a significant role in the World Cup, barring an injury. 

Michael Clarke Supports Steve Smith

Steve Smith’s absence almost certainly opens the door for Tim David to make his World Cup debut now that skipper Aaron Finch has moved back to the top of the order. 

However, the decision to exclude Steve Smith and young Cameron Green from the team was recently criticised by former captain Clarke. 

“They’ve made a mistake in not picking Cameron Green. It’s as simple as that,” Michael Clarke told Big Sports Breakfast earlier this week. 

Despite not being included in the World Cup team, Cameron Green has been given priority over Steve Smith, according to the former Australian captain Clarke. 

“Steve Smith can open the batting in T20 cricket. He’s in the squad, he’s a big chance of playing in this World Cup so surely you need him batting, making runs (and) in form,” Clarke said. 

Results against England and India confirmed Clarke’s concerns about the starting XI. 

The Australian batting lineup was vulnerable against England in the third game, especially at the top of the order as Aaron Finch (13 off 13 balls) and Warner (four off 11) struggled to produce. 

Australia was 4-171 against India and needed 17 runs off the final two overs. In a dramatic collapse that saw four wickets go in the final four balls, the side was subsequently bowled out for 180. 

Mitchell Marsh Recovering Well: George Bailey

Despite reservations, selector Bailey stated that the team was on pace, with opener David Warner scheduled to make a full recovery. 

Warner was always planning to miss the India match, according to Bailey, but was “fine” to play against New Zealand. 

Mitch Marsh, an all-around player, hasn’t bowled in a game since August because of an ankle ailment. Although Bailey claimed to be close to going bowling, he could not ensure that it would be on Saturday. 

“He is tracking well. I don’t think it is any secret that our allrounders are an important part of our structure,” Bailey said. 

“I think he bowled 20 to 30 balls with pretty good intensity in the nets yesterday. 

“I think he has hit all the markers that he wanted to but I think given the importance of that (allrounder) structure it is not something we wanted to risk too early but I fully expect that Mitch will be available and ready to go, whether that is Saturday or game two.” 

Also Read: Watch: Karthik Meiyappan Takes Hat Trick vs Sri Lanka For UAE In ICC T20 World Cup 2022