Just ahead of the T20 World Cup, Cricket Australia has been rocked. Former ace pacer Mitchell Johnson has hit hard at Steve Smith. The speedster has called out Smith for filling his pockets after not being a hit in the shortest format of the game. Steve Smith has struggled time and again in T20Is and with World Cup fast approaching, it is a worry for the Men in Yellow.
Recently Australia dominated New Zealand in ensuring a 3-0 win in the T20I series. While the Men in Yellow continue to fair well, Steve Smith failed to impress. The shortest format of the game continues to be the Achilles’ heel for Steve Smith.
“I wonder if international T20 cricket is something he really wants to play,” Johnson wrote in a column for The Nightly.
Australia tried testing out different options. One such included allowing Steve Smith to open the innings. But the veteran batter who is comfortable in other formats of the game faltered yet again. This has prompted Mitchell Johnson to claim that Steve Smith is keen to fill his pockets despite not being able to perform in T20Is.
“Of course, he will most likely play in a few different leagues around the world when his Test career is over and so maybe there is a dangling carrot in that he wants to perform at international level and at a World Cup to boost his chances of playing in leagues where he can earn himself big pay cheques,” Johnson added.
“Johnson hinted that Smith can be used as an opener as that is the only spot available for him. “And with Australia’s explosive batting attack, that could be a good fit for Smith. But Australia need to see him score and do that job consistently before he could be considered for the World Cup,” Johnson concluded.
Steve Smith unsure of Opening in T20 World Cup
On the other hand, Steve Smith himself is unsure of opening for his side in the T20 World Cup. He has claimed that he has got a fair chance to perform. And with the top three settled with David Warner, Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, he believes that there isn’t a spot for him. He further claimed that he won’t be fussed if fails to be a part of the team
“I got a couple of decent balls to be fair. I think they’re pretty settled up top, to be honest, with (Travis) Head, Warner and (Mitch) Marsh in the top three. I’m not really sure what (selectors) want to do. I’m not really too fussed either way. If I’m there, I’m there. If I’m not, I’m not,” Smith concluded.
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