Veteran Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has stated that Australia will need guts if they wish to play emerging all-rounder Cooper Connolly in place of Glenn Maxwell, during the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup as well. However, Glenn Maxwell and Cooper Connolly both head into the tournament on the back of some poor form.

“There is no sure-shot place for Cooper Connolly in this team. If you want to play him, then you have to play him in place of Glenn Maxwell. Do Australia have the courage to tell Glenn Maxwell that they are resting him and playing Cooper Connolly instead? Australia have several tough decisions to make. Cameron Green does not have the skill to make the breakthroughs in the middle order,” R Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

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R Ashwin also stated that Australia bring Steve Smith into the World Cup squad, and use his experience in the absence of other big players. However, he was not named in the provisional squad despite his good
form in the Big Bash League (BBL) for the Sydney Sixers as well.

“Can they go back to Steve Smith? Maybe the Australian selectors would have had a word with Steve Smith and said that we might need you. He has shown and batted well, that is why he is in the stand by. I think with all of this happening, Cummins, Hazlewood, and Zampa all struggling, Australia can use Smith’s experience. They still have time. I would be a little worried if I was an Australian fan looking at this squad heading into this World Cup,” R Ashwin concluded.