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'Don't Think He Will Be In Starting XI' - Ricky Ponting Dismisses Steve Smith's T20 WC Hopes

Steve Smith has played 67 T20Is for Australia [X.com]Steve Smith has played 67 T20Is for Australia [X.com]

After winning the ICC World Cup 2023, Australia will be looking forward to clinching the upcoming ICC T20 WC 2024 as well, for which preparations have already started.

One of Australia's most prolific Test scorers, Steve Smith, has struggled to make a mark in T20Is and, as former captain Ricky Ponting said, does not guarantee a place in the T20 WC playing XI. 

In the recently concluded T20Is against New Zealand, the 34-year-old was utilised as an opener in the final T20I and managed just four runs.

Speaking on ICC Review, Ponting explained that Smith's experience will definitely matter, but his role in the starting XI remains uncertain. Ever since Australia ICC T20 WC 2022, Smith has appeared in four matches for Australia, making his place in the side questionable. 


'Don't think Smith will be in the starting XI' - Ricky Ponting

"You love having guys like him around because of the experience and the calming influence that you can have around a team during a World Cup. But the other thing you always have to be mindful of is what role can he play? So I would think if Steve Smith does find his way into the squad, I don't think he will be in the starting XI," said Ponting. 

Another burning question in Australian cricket is who will lead the T20I side in the T20 WC, for which Ponting backed Mitchell Marsh as the front-runner. Marsh recently captained Australia in T20Is against West Indies and New Zealand and returned with series wins. 

Between 2010 and 2024, Smith has played 67 T20Is for Australia, scoring 1,094 runs with five fifties, well below his standards.