T20 World Cup 2022: Michael Clarke urges Australia to include Steve Smith in playing  XI

Steve Smith (middle) sat on bench in the 1st T20I against England [PC: Twitter]

Unarguably, one of the best Test batters in the modern era, Steve Smith's place in T20 cricket is debatable. Australia benched Smith during the first match of the three-T20I series against England on Sunday, inviting a backlash from fans and former players.

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke lashed out at Australian management for ignoring Smith and urged them to select the maverick in the playing XI.

Clarke termed the selectors' decision to leave out Cameron Green as a mistake.

“My only concern is they’ve been giving Cameron Green every opportunity, I don’t know why they haven’t given Steve Smith that opportunity.

Steve Smith can open the batting in T20 cricket. He’s in the squad, he’s a big chance of playing in this World Cup so surely you need him batting, making runs (and) in form, at this stage Cameron Green’s not in the World Cup. That’s what has been a little strange.”

Clarke further elaborated on Smith's role in the batting line-up that could range from opening the innings to maneuvering the innings coming down at Number 3 or 4.

He maintained that Smith's style can dug his side out of a hole, and ensure Australia score defendable runs.

The former World Cup-winning captain called Aaron Finch's decision to drop down the order a silly one as well ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022.

Also Read: Michael Bevan opens up on Matthew Wade's role in the Australian line up