Steve Smith hopes of playing in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 took another blow as he fell cheaply once again in Australia’s third T20I against New Zealand on Sunday.
Australia’s experiment with Steve Smith at the top of the order, a move aimed at finding a solution for their opening woes in the T20 format, continues to disappoint. In the rain-affected match at Eden Park, Smith managed just four runs before being dismissed in the third over.
Contrasting Fortunes:
The 34-year-old’s underwhelming performance stood in stark contrast to the fireworks displayed by teammate Matt Short, who came in at number three and smashed 27 runs off just 11 deliveries before rain halted play.
Failed Attempts:
This continues a worrying trend for Steve Smith. In recent series against India and New Zealand, he has consistently struggled in the opening role, with only one score above 50.
Rain Saves the Day (Maybe):
The rain intervention prevented further disappointment for Smith, but it did little to boost his chances of making the T20 World Cup squad. With a Test series against New Zealand starting on Thursday, both teams might welcome an early finish to avoid any further injuries.
Selection Headache for Australia ft Steve Smith
The selectors face a tough decision regarding the opening position for the World Cup. While Steve Smith, a proven performer in other formats, remains an option, his struggles in T20s raise questions about his suitability for the role.
T20 World Cup Ambitions at Stake:
With the T20 World Cup 2024 fast approaching, Australia will be looking to solidify their squad and find a solution for their top-order woes.
Smith’s recent failures leave the door open for other contenders, making the final selection a crucial and potentially contentious decision.
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