Australia's reputation as a white-ball powerhouse is in tatters after two consecutive defeats at the T20 World Cup, leaving them on the verge of a humiliating early exit. The defending champions lost to Zimbabwe by 23 runs and then to co-hosts Sri Lanka by eight wickets, exposing the absence of their champion fast bowlers.
Mitchell Marsh's side now need 12th-ranked Ireland to beat Zimbabwe later on Tuesday to stay alive. Even then, Australia will require Sri Lanka to defeat Zimbabwe on Thursday to keep their hopes alive ahead of a final group match against Oman. 'There's still a chance,' Marsh said, though he admitted they would need a slice of luck.
Australia have long prided themselves on peaking at major tournaments, having won the 2021 T20 World Cup and six 50-over World Cups. However, without the retired Mitchell Starc and the injured Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, their bowling has struggled. Back-up seamers led by Nathan Ellis have failed to impress, while legspinner Adam Zampa has gone wicketless in two matches.
Batting has also been a concern, with Australia losing 10 wickets for 77 runs against Sri Lanka after a strong start. The team's preparations have been criticised, with players arriving late for a warm-up series against Pakistan, which they lost 3-0. Selection decisions have baffled fans, particularly the omission of Steve Smith, who averaged nearly 60 in the Big Bash League but was only added to the squad due to injuries and then left out of the XI against Sri Lanka.
Former Australia Test batter Mark Waugh described the campaign as 'doomed from the get-go' due to injuries and selections. 'I just think they've got the selections completely wrong and to have your best player by 100 yards sitting on the sideline in Steve Smith ... I think it's an insult to Steve Smith, to be honest,' he told SEN radio.
