"They’ve obviously got some people they want to bring in, and that’s fine" - Steve Smith opens up on 2024 T20 World Cup snub
Australian star Steve Smith admitted understanding the management's logic behind his omission from the squad for the recently concluded T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA. The 35-year-old was left out with Australia preferring more power hitters in the roster.
However, the tournament did not pan out as they hoped for, with a surprising elimination before the semi-final after losses to Afghanistan and India.
Speaking to Fox Cricket about his exclusion from the T20I squad, Smith said:
"In terms of international T20s, I don’t know what’s going on there. They’ve obviously got some people they want to bring in, and that’s fine. I understood the way that they wanted to stack up for the World Cup, with all the strong guys that smack it miles. I understood that. I’m not that fussed. I’ll just go about my business, keep trying to improve and get better."
After a dismal 2022 in T20Is where he averaged under 19 with the bat, Smith was brought back to the T20I squad at the end of last year, thanks to his heroics in the Big Bash League (BBL).
However, the champion batter flattered to deceive, scoring 86 runs in four matches opening the batting at an average of 21.50. It resulted in his exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad.
Steve Smith's overall T20I numbers aren't too impressive either, with an average of under 25 at a strike rate of 125.45 in 67 outings.
"I’d certainly love another opportunity at IPL" - Steve Smith
![Smith has not played in the IPL since the 2021 season [Credit: Getty]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/08/4552f-17238004247646-1920.jpg?w=500)
Steve Smith was hopeful that his recent dominant showing in the Major League Cricket (MLC) tournament for the Washington Freedom would be rewarded with an IPL contract for next season.
The former Australian captain led the Freedom to their first title, while scoring 336 runs at an incredible strike rate of over 148.
"I’d certainly love another opportunity at IPL. I’ll be throwing my name in the hat, and we’ll see how we go. I feel like in every opportunity I’ve had in T20 cricket recently and franchise stuff, I’ve played quite nicely. So hopefully I just keep putting my name up there and enjoying it," said Smith.
Smith last played in the IPL for the Delhi Capitals in the 2021 season before going unsold in the previous two auctions entered.
His IPL numbers are much better than those in T20Is, with an average of 34.51 and a strike rate of 128.09 in 103 matches.