Questions raised on keeping Steve Smith out, Australia gave clarification as soon as it was out of the World Cup

By Sandy Verma On Feb 20, 2026

Cricket Australia statement on Steve Smith: Australia’s disappointing performance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has shocked the cricket world. For the first time since 2009, the Kangaroo team could not progress beyond the group stage, raising serious questions on the team management strategy and selection policy. A loss to a lower-ranked team like Zimbabwe and a crushing defeat against Sri Lanka brought Australia’s campaign to a premature end.

Amidst this failure, the biggest discussion is about not giving a chance to experienced batsman Steve Smith in even a single match. Despite joining the team midway through the tournament, Smith remained on the bench, leading fans and former players to question the transparency of the selection process and team combination.

Selector clarified, Steve Smith was a ‘cover player’

Australian selector Tony Dodemide responded to the controversy by saying that Steve Smith was included in the team as a cover player from the beginning. His main role was as a backup for the opening slot, especially when captain Mitchell Marsh was out of the opening matches due to a groin injury.

According to Dodemide, Smith was later added as an official replacement when fast bowler Josh Hazlewood got injured, but after the excellent performance of the pair of Marsh and Travis Head in the third match, there was no need to change the team combination.

Veterans raised questions on selection policy

Former Australia captain Mark Waugh termed not giving a chance to Smith as ‘disrespectful’. At the same time, veterans like Matthew Hayden and Glenn McGrath also raised questions on the selection policy and said that ignoring experience in big tournaments was costly for the team.

Didn’t get a chance despite excellent form

Smith’s recent performance was also in his favor. In the Big Bash League 2025–26, he scored 299 runs, which included a century. Despite this, fans and experts did not understand keeping him in a limited role.