Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has backed veteran Steve Smith to be the first man Australia calls in case of a sudden emergency in the World Cup campaign. Despite a number of injuries, Australia have not kept many backups.
Australia is struggling with injuries to many important players who were part of the campaign. Players like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have been injured for a long time and there are serious doubts over their recovery ahead of the World Cup.
Batsmen Tim David and Josh Inglis were also not part of the first T20 match against Pakistan along with captain Mitchell Marsh. Australia began their pre-World Cup preparation games under the leadership of their designated vice-captain Travis Head.
Steve Smith had a great performance in BBL
Known as one of the greatest Test cricketers of generations and one of Australia’s all-time greats in the format, Steve Smith has proven time and again that he can be a real asset in white-ball cricket as well.
Returning from a successful Ashes campaign, Smith played 6 matches in the BBL and scored 299 runs at an average of 59.80, second only to the great David Warner and a strike rate of 167, behind only Perth Scorchers opening batsman Finn Allen.
Despite his excellent form, he is not traveling to India and Sri Lanka for the ICC T20 World Cup, but his stellar performances in the Big Bash League have earned him a reputation as an explosive opening batsman. However, the player has had the misfortune of not being selected in the IPL auction several times in recent seasons.
Ricky Ponting backs Steve Smith’s replacement for ICC T20 World Cup
Steve Smith has not played a single T20I match for Australia since February 2024 and was not a part of the last ICC T20 World Cup squad for Australia. He was also ruled out of the following season, while Smith has perhaps now shown that he is very capable of changing gears and adopting a power-oriented approach.
Ponting told The Western Australian, “His numbers are better than anyone else’s. But when you’ve been out there, and the team has had some success, and Travis Head and Mitch Marsh are current, it’s hard to knock either of those two guys out of the starting slot.”
With his latest BBL antics, Smith’s name has suddenly made headlines for a World Cup call-up if the Australian contingent suffers any more injuries during the marquee tournament. Ricky Ponting has also supported him.
“And poor Steve has probably only been selected as an opening batsman in T20 games, which has probably held him back a bit over the years in terms of selection.
“But he’s only one minor injury away. He’s the next cab off the rank, and he’s ready to go,” he explained, endorsing his countryman to be courageous and ready to go whenever the need arises.
Will Australia need Smith to strengthen their T20 World Cup campaign?
Australia has a well-equipped playing XI that has everything required of a T20I team. While the opening partnership looks set with explosive partners like the captain and Travis Head, the middle order is also full of explosive options.
The middle order for the Australian team could include Tim David, Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell and Cooper Connolly. However, with such a strong squad, Steve Smith may not be able to make the team despite his form unless a player is ruled out due to injury.
However, the new and improved version of Australian batsman Steve Smith can help them in the moment of crisis. Australia will play its group-stage matches in Sri Lanka.
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