According to Reports, Australia May Drop Steve Smith from the T20 World Cup in 2024

According to sources, Australian selectors are planning to dismiss Steve Smith for the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2024.

The iconic Australian batter's time in the game's shortest format might have been leveled up, as the Australian selectors, led by George Bailey, look beyond the star batter, especially a young talent.

Steve Smith has a long history of poor performances in T20I cricket. This is evidenced by his frequent rejections in IPL auctions. Despite his participation in the T20I series against New Zealand, Steve Smith is unlikely to be picked for Australia's T20 World Cup squad.

Smith not fit for T20s

Smith, seen as a classic batter who excels in Tests and One-Day Internationals, is unsuited to the fast-paced T20 format. His tendency to play defensive balls and his time-settling scenes, work against him. However, the game's demands necessitate a player who can go full throttle right away.

While Steve Smith is likely to be released, youthful Jake Fraser-McGruk is set to join the National Team. The 22-year-old has been a sensation for the Delhi Capitals in his debut season in the IPL 2024.

The devastating hitter has 247 runs in just five games, with a highest score of 84. The young gun has a strike rate of 237.50 and has 22 fours and 22 sixes in his pocket, making him the kind of destructive hitter that Australia desperately needs.

McGurk is proving his destructive batting prowess

Throughout the 16-and-a-half IPL seasons, seven batters have smashed 50 runs off 15 balls or fewer. Only Fraser-McGurk has completed it twice and this is from a total of five games. Fraser-McGurk has only made two appearances for Australia and has yet to make his T20I debut, however, these matches are comparable to some internationals.

Maximizing the six-over powerplay will be important during the World Cup, especially as Caribbean pitches wear down from a busy schedule from a back to back matches. The new ball will most likely be the best moment to bat, which makes Fraser-McGurk's style particularly fitting.

Teams can send 15 players to the World Cup, and Fraser-McGurk appears to be the best option as a backup top-order batter if necessary. Australia may pick and choose when to hire him.