Australian star Steve Smith revealed understanding the management’s logic behind his snub from the squad for the recently concluded T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA. The veteran was left out with Australia preferring more power hitters in the roster. However, the tournament did not go well, with a surprising elimination before the semi-final after losses to Afghanistan and India as well.

Speaking to Fox Cricket, 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.”

However, after a poor 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 stunning show in the Big Bash League (BBL). However, he scored 86 runs in four matches opening the batting at an average of 21.50. It showed his exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad. Steve Smith’s overall T20I numbers aren’t too impressive with an
average of under 25 and a strike rate of 125.45 in 67 games as well.

Meanwhile, Steve Smith was hopeful that his recent good showing in the Major League Cricket (MLC) tournament for the Washington Freedom would be helpful with an IPL contract for next season as well.

“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,” concluded Steve Smith.