Australia’s early exit from the T20 World Cup 2026 has led to strong criticism, particularly from former fast bowler Glenn McGrath, who questioned the team’s selection choices. The 2021 champions were eliminated in the group stage after losing to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, marking a disappointing chapter in recent Australian Cricket history.
The selection of all-rounder Cameron Green instead of veteran batter Steve Smith has come under scrutiny.
Glenn McGrath’s view on Cameron Green’s role
McGrath was critical of Green’s performance during the tournament, pointing out that it was hard to see how he justified his place in the team due to his limited contributions with bat and ball.
“Then what the selectors are saying is that he’s a better player than Steve Smith. If he’s not bowling, I just can’t see how he justifies a spot in that side,” McGrath said to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Green scored only 24 runs in three group matches, with a top score of 21 against Ireland followed by a duck and three runs in vital matches against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. He also bowled just seven deliveries throughout the tournament.
For a player picked for his all-round abilities, the lack of bowling proved troubling. Australia’s strategy seemed unclear, especially when flexibility was needed.
The Cameron Green vs Steve Smith discussion
The choice of Green over Smith attracted attention, and Australia’s early exit intensified the backlash.
Green began the tournament with promise after performing well against Pakistan, where he batted in various positions and bowled five overs. However, his form was questionable even before the World Cup. In the Ashes, he scored 171 runs at an average of 24.43 and took only four wickets from 62 overs. His difficulty against spin became evident, particularly on Sri Lankan pitches.
Conversely, Smith had a strong performance in the Big Bash League (BBL), averaging 59.80 at a strike rate of 167.97. His fast century demonstrated that he had improved his T20 game, leading many to believe he deserved a spot on the team.
Considering the spin-friendly surfaces in Sri Lanka, Smith’s experience seemed ideal for the situation, making his exclusion puzzling to McGrath.
McGrath also expressed broader concerns about Australia’s standing in International cricket.
“We said at the start of this World Cup that we were concerned about Australia. All of a sudden, the aura of that Australian team is no longer there when other teams play it. Unfortunately, it’s not surprising,” he remarked.
Entering the tournament as favorites, Australia appeared out of sync from the start. Their defeat to Zimbabwe was followed by an eight-wicket loss to Sri Lanka, revealing weaknesses in batting depth and tactical execution.
Their elimination was confirmed when Zimbabwe’s match against Ireland was canceled, giving Zimbabwe a point that knocked Australia out of contention. It was a significant and humbling moment for a team used to dominating ICC events.
Australia’s next match is against Oman on February 20 at the Pallekele International Stadium, which serves as an opportunity to regain some pride.
