Steve Smith snubbed by Aussie selectors for Pakistan T20 series, uncapped quicks picked
Steve Smith has been snubbed by Australia's selectors for a three-match T20 series in Pakistan that will precede the World Cup.
The champion veteran batter has indicated he wants to play for Australia in the T20 tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, where cricket will return to the Olympic stage, and he has been in phenomenal touch in the Big Bash League.
But the Sydney Sixers gun was a notable omission from a 17-player squad named on Monday for the Pakistan series, beginning on January 29.
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Uncapped quicks Jack Edwards and Mahli Beardman could be set for international debuts.
Superstar all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is being rested.
Mitch Marsh is the captain of the squad, which will play three games in Lahore before heading to Sri Lanka to begins its World Cup campaign against Ireland on February 11.
Steve Smith has been in scintillating touch for the Sydney Sixers. Getty
Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis, Maxwell and Tim David won't travel to Pakistan but will be on deck for the World Cup in Sri Lanka and India.
Smith destroyed the Sydney Thunder at the SCG last week, smashing 100 from 42 balls at the top of the order to steer the Sixers to a five-wicket win.
He then peeled off 54 from 40 balls on Sunday night to lift the Sixers to a five-wicket win over the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba.
Mark Waugh, the Australian cricket great and former national selector, expressed his disagreement with the non-selection of Smith.
"On current form should be the first player picked," Waugh wrote on X.
Smith hasn't played a T20 for Australia since February 2024 and he wasn't named in the preliminary 2026 World Cup squad unveiled last month.
The right-hander used to be a middle-order "Mr Fix It" for Australia in T20s but selectors moved on from him in favour of more explosive batters.
Mahli Beardman at full pelt for the Perth Scorchers. Getty
"Of course, I always want to play for Australia in big tournaments, but I think that ship's sailed," Smith said of his World Cup hopes after the Sixers' win over the Heat.
"I reckon they've got two opening batters who are doing pretty well.
"So I'm relaxed, doing what I can here and having some fun."
Marsh and Travis Head are poised to open the batting for Australia in Pakistan and at the World Cup.
"I'm trying to get a bit stronger and hit the ball a little bit further," Smith added.
"I've got to try and keep up with some of the guys that hit the ball a mile.
"My main goal, as I've said before, is to get in the team when the Olympics is rolling around. I'd be keen to do that. That'd be pretty cool."
Australia's squad for Pakistan series
Mitch Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe (wk), Matthew Renshaw, Matt Short, Marcus Stonis, Adam Zampa
Australia's preliminary squad for World Cup
Mitch Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
