Steve Smith’s decision to quit ODI cricket was no ordinary move—it was a bold, calculated step fueled by an extraordinary ambition. But here’s where it gets controversial: could this decision now pave the way for his dramatic return to Australia’s T20 World Cup squad? Let’s dive into the reality after what many are calling a massive oversight by selectors.
The door isn’t completely shut for the 36-year-old batting maestro. After his jaw-dropping performances in the Big Bash League (BBL), whispers of an eleventh-hour inclusion in Australia’s T20 squad have grown louder. Despite not playing a T20I in nearly two years, Smith’s explosive BBL form has reignited debates about his place in the national team. And this is the part most people miss: while he retired from ODIs last year, Smith remains eligible for T20Is and has openly expressed his desire to represent Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
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Since the start of the decade, Smith’s T20I numbers have been modest—averaging 22.47 with a strike rate of 121.93 across 27 innings. His omission from the 2022 T20 World Cup squad, replaced by pinch-hitter Tim David, was understandable at the time. But here’s the kicker: Smith’s recent form suggests he’s far from done. In early 2023, he smashed consecutive hundreds for the Sydney Sixers, earning a recall for the T20 tour of New Zealand. Yet, after underwhelming scores of 11 and 4 against the Black Caps, he was overlooked for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. To add insult to injury, IPL franchises have snubbed him in four consecutive auctions.
Here’s where opinions collide: Is Smith’s T20I strike rate of 121.93—the lowest among Australian regulars this decade—a fair reflection of his current abilities? Or is it time to rethink his role in the squad, especially after his BBL masterclass?
Earlier this month, Australia announced a provisional 15-player squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, featuring newcomers like Matt Short, Cooper Connolly, and Xavier Bartlett. Changes can be made until January 31, leaving a slim window for Smith’s inclusion. And just last week, he threw a wrench into the works with a stunning 41-ball hundred in the Sydney Smash, followed by a half-century against the Brisbane Heat (https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/domestic-cricket/big-bash/bbl-15-live-brisbane-heat-vs-sydney-sixers-live-blog-updates-match-centre-finals-scenarios-news-videos-highlights-steve-smith/news-story/27dd91b2c715faca10be758d6b97baf6).
Smith’s off-season training in New York, where he focused on building upper-body strength to enhance his power-hitting, paid off spectacularly. His monstrous six off Nathan McAndrew onto the roof of the SCG’s Brewongle Stand was a testament to his renewed prowess. “I’m trying to get a bit stronger and hit the ball a little bit further,” Smith admitted. “I’ve got to keep up with the guys who hit it a mile.”
With an average of 78.54 across his last 15 BBL innings—including four hundreds at a strike rate of 171.42—Smith has been in a league of his own. Former Australian batter Mark Waugh boldly declared, “He should be the first player picked for the T20 World Cup. He’s the best player in the competition at the moment.”
But here’s the catch: Australia’s top order is already packed with Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head forming a formidable opening partnership. The middle order boasts all-rounders like Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, and Tim David. So, where does Smith fit in? Waugh suggests, “Ideally, he would open, and maybe Mitch Marsh could bat at three. If you’re serious about winning, he’s got to be in there.”
Chief selector George Bailey acknowledged Smith’s resurgence as a “great problem to have,” but also highlighted the competition’s depth. “He’s playing incredibly well, but so are Mitch Marsh and Travis Head,” Bailey noted. Smith’s omission from the upcoming T20 series against Pakistan further complicates his case, though injuries to Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David could open a last-minute spot.
Here’s the burning question: Should Australia prioritize youth and squad balance, or bring back a proven match-winner like Smith for the T20 World Cup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Smith himself seems resigned to his fate, telling Fox Cricket, “I think that ship’s sailed. I’d love to be part of an Olympics, and that’s why I stopped playing one-day cricket.” Yet, with the Sixers set to face the Perth Scorchers in Tuesday’s Qualifier (https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/domestic-cricket/big-bash/bbl-finals-schedule-2026-bbl-15-finals-dates-after-table-set-structure-bracket-format-times-and-venues-who-plays-who-when-is-the-big-bash-final/news-story/95f110e8405f8a98d43dfec89083fb48), he has one more chance to stake his claim. Will selectors take notice, or is this truly the end of the road for Smith in international T20s? The debate rages on.
