Mark Waugh Slams Australia’s T20 World Cup Selection
Former Aussie cricket star Mark Waugh unleashed strong criticism against national selectors for leaving Steve Smith out of the original T20 World Cup squad. Calling the decision confusing and disrespectful, Waugh highlighted Smith’s standout Big Bash League form, elite fielding skills, and proven ability against spin bowling as reasons he deserved automatic selection.
Australia’s Campaign Derailed Early
Waugh believes Australia’s World Cup journey was doomed from the start due to poor selection choices and injuries. He stated the team’s preparation was lacking, making their struggles predictable despite being placed in a relatively easy group. Australia suffered shocking losses to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, putting their Super 8s qualification in serious doubt.
The Baffling Smith Snub
“Australia’s non-selection of Steve Smith originally is the most baffling decision I’ve seen in years,” Waugh declared. “Here’s a player who looked class above everyone in the BBL. He’s an outstanding fielder and a spin-bowling specialist.”
Selectors added Smith to the squad hours before the crucial Sri Lanka match, but still kept him out of the playing eleven. Waugh emphasized this made the situation even more perplexing.
“He Should Have Been First Picked”
Waugh firmly believes Smith’s skills made him indispensable. “I know tough calls happen, but Smith should have been first picked. He wasn’t in the squad, wasn’t initially brought in as a replacement, and then when he finally flew over, they still didn’t play him. It makes zero sense.”
An Insult to a Legend
The cricket legend didn’t hold back, calling Smith’s treatment disrespectful. “Having your best player by miles sitting on the sidelines? I think it’s an insult to Steve Smith, honestly.”
Waugh also questioned other selection calls, like dropping in-form batter Matt Renshaw for big games. “T20 is the hardest format to find form. You MUST pick players who are already performing because batsmen don’t get time to build confidence mid-tournament.”
Selection Missteps Exposed
For Waugh, Australia’s World Cup struggles directly resulted from these flawed choices. Injuries worsened the situation, but he maintains the core problem was selecting the wrong players while leaving proven match-winners like Smith watching from the dugout.
