AUS vs NZ: Why is Steve Smith Not Playing Today’s Australia vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2022 Match?

Steve Smith AUS vs NZ: In a massive breaking news development, Australia are not playing their star batsman Steve Smith in their ICC T20 World Cup 2022 opener against New Zealand scheduled to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. Australia will definitely be quite confident of their chances and defending their title which they won after beating the same opposition comprehensively in Dubai last year.

AUS vs NZ: Why is Steve Smith Not Playing Today’s Australia vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2022 Match?

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Australian captain Aaron Finch revealed that Steve Smith is not part of the playing XI for this game against New Zealand. While looking at the recent performances and his individual form, Australia had already given big indications that Smith won’t be a starter in the side to start the mega event. The arrival of big-hitting batsman Tim David have forced the hosts to make some massive changes in their T20I set up and he has surely proved his metal as a finisher in the shorter format of the game. Australia are playing their trio of all-rounders, Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell.

“Going to bowl. There’s weather around but we also feel the wicket gets better and better as the game goes on. Everytime you represent Australia you feel pressure. We’ve always had amazing support. Smith, Agar, Richardson and Green the four players not playing,” said Australia captain Aaron Finch during the toss.

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AUS Playing 11

1. David Warner
2. Aaron Finch (C)
3. Mitchell Marsh
4. Glenn Maxwell
5. Marcus Stoinis
6. Tim David
7. Matthew Wade (wk)
8. Pat Cummins
9. Mitchell Starc
10. Adam Zampa
11. Josh Hazlewood

AUS XI: Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood #T20WorldCup

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 22, 2022

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