Australia’s disappointing farewell t20 world cup 2026 The legendary fast bowler has been severely criticized glen mcgrath The team’s selection decisions are being openly questioned. The 2021 champions crashed out in the group stage after consecutive defeats to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, capping one of the most dire campaigns in recent Australian cricket history.
At the center of the storm is the decision to support the all-rounder cameron green over experienced batsman steve smith – a gamble which has, of late, come under sharp scrutiny.
Glenn McGrath’s blunt assessment of Cameron Green’s role
McGrath did not hold back in his assessment of Green’s performance in the T20 World Cup 2026. The former fast bowler questioned how the all-rounder justified his place in the XI, especially considering his minimal impact with both bat and ball.
“Then what the selectors are saying is that he is a better player than Steve Smith. If he is not bowling, I don’t understand how he will justify his place in that team.” McGrath was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald.
Green could score only 24 runs in three group matches. He scored 21 against Ireland, but followed this with scores of zero and three in crucial defeats against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. Even more worrying was his limited contribution with the ball – only seven balls in the entire tournament.
For a player who was selected primarily for his all-round value, his lack of bowling involvement raised serious questions. In circumstances that required adaptability and strategic clarity, Australia’s strategy appeared confused.
Cameron Green vs Steve Smith debate
The selection of Green in place of Smith was always going to attract attention, but Australia’s early exit has increased the criticism.
Green entered the tournament with optimism after showing resilience in the T20I series against Pakistan, where he batted at multiple positions and bowled 5 overs. Publicly expressed readiness to plug holes in the batting lineup. However, there were concerns about his form even before the World Cup. During the Ashes series against England, Green scored 171 runs at an average of 24.43 and took only four wickets in 62 overs. His struggles against spin – a vital skill on Sri Lankan pitches – became increasingly evident as the marquee event unfolded.
In contrast, Smith was in excellent form in the Big Bash League (BBL). While opening for Sydney Sixers, his average was 59.80 and strike rate was 167.97. His century from 42 balls, which is the joint second fastest century in BBL history, demonstrated the reinvention of his T20 game which many believed necessitated selection.
Given the spin-friendly surfaces in Sri Lanka, Smith’s experience and ability to handle the innings appears to suit the conditions. Therefore, his omission surprised McGrath.
Beyond individual selections, the Australian legend expressed wider concerns about his countries’ position in world cricket.
“We said at the beginning of this World Cup that we were worried about Australia. Suddenly, when other teams play, that Australian team’s aura is no longer there. Unfortunately, it is not surprising.” He said.
Australia entered the tournament as one of the favorites but looked out of form from the start. their Shocking defeat from Zimbabwe This was followed by an eight-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka, which exposed weaknesses in both batting depth and tactical execution.
The elimination was confirmed when Zimbabwe’s match against Ireland was rained out, costing Chevron a vital point and Australia out of the competition. It was a dramatic and humbling turn of events for a team accustomed to dominating ICC tournaments.
Australia will now face Oman on February 20 at the Pallekele International Stadium, which is essentially a dead stadium. The match provides an opportunity to restore pride and avoid further embarrassment.
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