New Delhi. The Australian team, which is struggling with the problem of injured players, may think of including experienced Steve Smith in the team to maintain hopes of reaching the Super Eight in the important match of T20 World Cup Group B against Sri Lanka on Monday. Australia is in danger of an early exit from the tournament after losing by 23 runs to Zimbabwe in the last match. Now they will have to win both the group matches against Oman and Sri Lanka to reach the Super Eight, so that they do not depend on the results of other teams.
Australia is currently at third position in the group table with two points from two matches. The 2021 champion team, playing with the absence of some key players, was bowled out for 146 runs against Zimbabwe after a sudden collapse of the top order. Captain Mitchell Marsh could not play for the second consecutive match due to injury. Smith has been included in the team as cover for Marsh, but he has not yet been officially included in the 15-man squad. Australia can include him in the team without changing any player, as there is a vacancy after fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was ruled out due to injury.
How will Australia make its playing XI?
Smith’s good record against spin and recent excellent performances can strengthen Australia’s batting if he joins the team. It is a matter of relief for Australia that all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has been declared fit after the injury he suffered on his left hand in the last match. Australia is also missing the fast bowling trio of retired Mitchell Starc, injured Pat Cummins and Hazlewood. Nathan Ellis has performed well but left arm fast bowlers Ben Dwarshius and Xavier Bartlett have proved expensive. In such a situation, if any team can change the situation then it is Australia.
This Australian team had to face a similar situation during the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India. Even at that time, the victory against Sri Lanka had changed the situation for them, after which they won the trophy by winning nine matches including the final.
Sri Lanka lion in his home
On the other hand, co-host Sri Lanka is on top of the group with easy wins against Oman and Ireland. However, he too has suffered a setback. Its star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury. In their absence, Sri Lanka will rely heavily on Mahesh Tikshana and left-arm spinner Duneet Velalage to take advantage of the home conditions.
The team is as follows: Australia: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshius, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhneman, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Steve Smith (as cover for Mitchell Marsh).
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Zenith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Zenith Liyanage, Pawan Rathnayake, Dunith Vellaage, Mahesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Mathisha Pathirana, Pramod Madushan, Dushan Hemantha. The match will start at 7 pm Indian time.