Steve Smith has addressed his exclusion from Australia's T20 World Cup squad despite his impressive form in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL). Smith, who has been in remarkable form for the Sydney Sixers, scoring a century off 42 balls against Sydney Thunder, has seemingly accepted that he will not be included in the T20 World Cup squad, stating, "I think that ship's sailed".
Smith's recent performances in the BBL have sparked debate among fans and cricket commentators about his omission from the national T20 side. His century against the Thunder included nine sixes and five fours, leading the Sixers to a five-wicket victory. In one over, he hit four consecutive sixes, accumulating a record-setting 32 runs. One of his sixes even hit the roof of the Brewongle Stand, measured at 107 meters. In his last four innings, Smith has scored 292 runs at an average of 146, with a strike rate of 238.09.
Despite the calls for his inclusion, Smith appears resigned to the selectors' decision. He acknowledged the strength of the current opening batters in the Australian T20 team. "I always want to play for Australia in big tournaments. But I think that ship's sailed. I reckon they've got two opening batters that are doing pretty well. I'm relaxed doing what I can here and having some fun,” Smith said.
Instead of focusing on the T20 World Cup, Smith has set his sights on the Olympics. "My main goal, as I've said before, is to get in the team when the Olympics is rolling around. I'd be keen to do that," he stated.
Smith's BBL form has been exceptional, with four centuries in the 10 BBL games he has played since his last T20 international appearance in February 2024. In a recent match against the Brisbane Heat, he scored 54 off 40 balls, helping the Sixers secure a five-wicket victory and a place in the BBL finals. During that match, Smith was booed by the crowd after complaining about spectators distracting him, but he ultimately led his team to victory.
Earlier in the BBL season, a controversial moment arose during a game against the Sydney Thunder when Smith refused a single to his opening partner, Babar Azam, to retain strike for the power surge. While Smith explained that his decision was strategic, aimed at targeting a short leg-side boundary, reports suggested that Azam was unhappy with the snub. However, Smith has since stated that the pair have resolved any issues. "Nah, he's good. We were chatting before, so yeah. I thought he batted really nicely the other night. We had a good partnership," Smith said.
Smith's T20 international career includes 872 runs in 67 matches, with an average of just under 25. Despite his experience and recent form, it seems the Australian selectors are looking in a different direction for the T20 World Cup, possibly favoring players with greater power-hitting capabilities. Australia's provisional squad for the T20 World Cup has already been announced, making Smith's inclusion unlikely unless injuries necessitate changes.
