Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has thrown his support behind veteran batter Steve Smith, suggesting he would be Australia’s first call if an emergency crops up during their World Cup campaign. With injuries mounting and very few backups named, Australia could soon find itself needing experienced reinforcements.
Injury Woes Trouble Australia Ahead of World Cup
Australia’s preparations have been far from smooth, with several key players battling injuries. Senior bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have been sidelined for a long time, and their availability for the World Cup remains uncertain.
The problems are not limited to the bowling attack. Batters Tim David and Josh Inglis missed the first T20I against Pakistan, along with captain Mitchell Marsh. As a result, Australia began their pre World Cup fixtures under vice captain Travis Head, who stepped in to lead the side.
Steve Smith’s Impressive Return in the Big Bash League
Widely regarded as one of the greatest Test batters of his generation and a modern-day legend for Australia, Steve Smith has repeatedly shown that he can deliver in white ball cricket as well.
Fresh from a strong Ashes campaign, Smith featured in six matches during the Big Bash League and scored 299 runs at a remarkable average of 59.80. Only David Warner scored more runs, while Smith’s strike rate of 167 was second only to Perth Scorchers opener Finn Allen.
Despite this excellent form, Smith is not travelling to India and Sri Lanka for the ICC T20 World Cup. Still, his BBL performances have rebuilt his image as an aggressive opening option, even though he has gone unsold in the IPL auction in recent seasons.
Ricky Ponting Backs Steve Smith as Standby Option
Steve Smith has not played a T20I for Australia since February 2024 and was left out of the previous ICC T20 World Cup squad. He was also overlooked for the upcoming tournament. However, his recent performances suggest he has adapted well to the fast paced demands of modern T20 cricket.
“His numbers stack up better than anybody else’s. But when you’ve been out, and the side’s had some success, and Travis Head and Mitch Marsh are the incumbents, it’s hard to push one of those two guys out of an opening slot,” Ponting said to The Western Australian.
Smith’s strong Big Bash showing has once again put him in the conversation, especially if Australia suffer more injury setbacks during the tournament.
“And poor Steve has probably been pigeonholed as an opening batsman only in the T20 game, which probably has held him back a little bit in the last few years as far as selection is concerned.
“But he’s only one little injury away. He’s the next cab off the rank, and he’s ready to go,” he explained, backing his countryman to be raring and ready to go whenever he is needed.
Does Australia Have Room for Steve Smith?
On paper, Australia have a well balanced and powerful T20I lineup. The opening combination appears settled with the captain and the explosive Travis Head, while the middle order is packed with firepower.
Players like Tim David, Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell and Cooper Connolly provide plenty of depth and flexibility. With such a strong group already in place, Smith’s path into the XI remains blocked unless an injury forces a change.
That said, the refreshed and aggressive version of Steve Smith could prove invaluable if Australia face a crisis during the tournament. With their group stage matches set to be played in Sri Lanka, conditions may also suit a player of Smith’s experience and adaptability.
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