Steve Smith has been left out of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, with in-form youngster Jake Fraser-McGurk also ignored.
Smith was part of the side that won the competition in 2021 and played in T20Is against New Zealand as recently as February, but missed out on a contract at the IPL, where most of the world’s top players have been gearing up for the summer tournament.
Fraser-McGurk, 22, has enjoyed a stunning campaign in India, making 247 runs in just five matches for the Delhi Capitals at a remarkable strike rate of 237.50, but that has not been enough to force his way into the squad.
Instead, Australia will start with a top order of Travis Head, David Warner (who is due to retire from international cricket after the tournament) and Mitchell Marsh, confirmed to captain the side.
Australia are in Group B, along with England, Scotland, Namibia and Oman.
