Steve Smith News 2022: Despite not getting a place in the final eleven against the first T20I against West Indies. The former skipper Steve Smith is still hopeful that he will find a place in T20 World Cup.
The veteran believes that his style of play is suitable to Australian pitches, as he is good in finding the gaps, timing the ball and a sound runner between the wickets.
“For me, I’m not as strong and powerful as some of the other guys. But some wickets entail just good smarts and punching the ball and timing the ball really well, particularly in Australia with big grounds, running hard between the wickets, that kind of thing,” said Steve as quoted by Cricket Australia.
“Just having that more attacking mindset rather than, when I was playing that kind of (Mr Fix-It) role. I was probably in a more defensive frame of mind and almost trying to bat through without taking the game on as much. But just having the license to go out and just play the way I want to play, and the situation that’s in front of me, I think that’s the way I play best. For me, I’m not as strong and powerful as some of the other guys,” said Smith.
Australia exclude Steve Smith from playing XI
The Australian team decided to include Steve Smith in the first T20I on Wednesday against West Indies. They went on to win by 3 wickets.
After restricting the West Indies side to 145, the hosts found it hard too to chase the target. However, at last they won the game with one ball to spare.
Australia tried a new opening combination of David Warner and Cameron Green against their regular openers David Warner and Aaron Finch.
The plan with the openers didn’t work, but the out of form Finch, found his form back while batting at no.4. As he scored an impressive 56 off 53 to guide Australia take a 1-0 lead in a two-match T20I series.
Steve Smith News 2022: Mitchell Marsh at Smith’s position
Mitchell Marsh came to crease at Smith’s position (no.3). But he failed to showcase any magic, as he got out for 3 only.
Smith feels that his style of finding the gaps will be more helpful in the Australian grounds. As they are larger than the one’s in other countries. However, with Stoinis is also set to make a comeback this Sunday. It will be much difficult to choose the best eleven for Australia.
Australia and West Indies will next meet on October 7 at Brisbane for the second T20I of the series.
Australia squad for the T20 World Cup 2022:
Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa
