Former Test captain Mark Taylor has urged Australia to “pick and stick” with its T20 selections after a heavy defeat to England overnight.
Following big wins against South Africa and Sri Lanka to open their T20 World Cup campaign, the Australians were dealt their toughest encounter yet in a brutal eight-wicket defeat against England.
Jos Buttler led the way with 71 not out from 32 balls for England as Australia’s total of 125 was chased down with eight wickets and 50 balls to spare.
England’s bowlers, led by Chris Jordan with 3-17, raced through Australia’s batting lineup at the start, with the Australians sliding to 4-21 in 6.1 overs.
Immediately after the defeat, Australian legend Shane Warne questioned why Mitch Marsh, who had been selected in the opening two matches, was left out of the squad.
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Warne also added that Glenn Maxwell (six runs from nine balls) should start further down the batting order before suggesting that superstar Steve Smith (one run from five balls), should be axed from the T20 squad.
https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne/status/1454453530664783880
Taylor agreed somewhat and said the selections, namely Marsh’s omission, were “confusing”.
“They were hammered, no doubt about it. Absolutely hammered,” he told Nine’s Sports Sunday.
“The tactics I also found a little confusing.
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“The fact Mitch Marsh for example – he batted at No.3 in Australia’s first game, then at No.6 for Australia’s second game and didn’t get a bat… then wasn’t in the team yesterday.
“That’s strange. In this format of the game, yes you have to be flexible, but you have to build confidence.
“I would love to see Australia settle on a top three.”
Despite Smith’s poor performance, Taylor said there’s no way he would ever leave out the former Australian captain.
“I agree with Warnie’s point about Maxwell, maybe he is better down the order as a finisher, but I disagree with Warnie on Steve Smith,” Taylor added.
“I’ve got to have Steve Smith in my team because he’s that good of a player.
“I’d like to see us pick and stick, if you think Mitch Marsh is a No.3, stick him at No.3 and give him more than one game to prove it.”
– with AP
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