Australia were thrashed by England in the recent match of the 2021 T20 World Cup, which was hosted in Dubai. Former iconic bowler Shane Warne slammed his side and challenged a few selections after Australia’s humiliating defeat. He did not agree with the inclusion of star batter Steve Smith in the T20I team that lost to England in Dubai.
Warne felt that the Australian team, other than Marsh and Glenn Maxwell, was a risky proposition. Smith, acknowledged as one of the finest batters in the competition’s longest format, struggled to get momentum versus England, scoring only one run off 5 deliveries.
“Disappointing selection from Australia leaving Marsh out & Maxwell batting in the power play (he should always come in after power play). Stoinis should have gone in. Poor strategy & tactics from the Aussies. I love Smith but he shouldn’t be in the T/20 team. Marsh has to be !!” tweeted Warne.
Warne went on to praise England’s performance, calling them a “proper T20 team.” England knocked down the modest score of 125 runs with 8 wickets left and more than 8 overs to play. Warne also praised Pakistan, which leads Group 2 after winning all 3 of their matches. However, England is placed in the one table-topper.
“Proper T/20 cricket that from England! Australia will hopefully learn how they need to play after that smashing, they copped from the Poms. Pakistan & England are showing how to play T/20 cricket. Australia need to change their thinking restyle of play plus the team!” he added.
Two groups from each pool will advance to the semi-finals, which will be held on November 14 in Dubai. Australia was already under criticism following back-to-back poor T20I results. They must still perform well if they are to advance to the semi-finals. Australia is presently in third place in Group One, with South Africa in second place.
