Star Australian batsman Steve Smith has emphasized that he remains unconcerned about his potential selection for the 2024 T20 World Cup squad, asserting that he will accept the outcome with equanimity.
Recent T20 performances have cast doubt on the former Australian captain’s inclusion. Smith’s modest scores of 11 and 4 in the recently concluded T20I series against New Zealand, where he was allowed to open the innings, have left his selection prospects uncertain.
In a conversation with AAP, Smith acknowledged that facing a few challenging deliveries had a significant impact on his performance. Nevertheless, he expressed readiness to embrace whatever decision the selectors make regarding the upcoming T20 World Cup.
“I encountered a couple of challenging deliveries, to be honest. Milne bowled one that took off in the second game, which was quite challenging. Lockie, especially as the sun was setting, posed difficulties in picking up the ball, and he delivered a well-disguised in-swinger.
Although it wasn’t an ideal situation, I accept it for what it is. Whatever the selectors decide, I’m indifferent. Whether I make it to the squad or not is immaterial to me,” he stated.
While players like David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc will use their participation in IPL 2024 to refine their form ahead of the T20 World Cup, Smith remained unsold at the auction. Consequently, the prospects of the right-handed batsman being included in the ICC event appear dim.