Despite Australia’s mediocre performance in T20I’s recently, newly appointed skipper Steve Smith is full of optimism. Smith, spoke to the media ahead of Australia’s departure for South Africa, where the Kangaroos will play a 3 match T20I series. Smith, who replaced Aaron Finch as Australia’s skipper in the shortest format, said that irrespective of recent results, Australia had the firepower to win the ICC World T20 in India.
“World T20I is title one that’s eluded us,” Smith said. “It’s going to be a tough tour in India, in conditions that are foreign to us,” he added. “But I think we’ve got the squad to give it a real shake,” said a confident Smith. Australia were massacred 3-0 by India in the T20I series at home in January and the side was criticized heavily for not turning up to a vibrant Indian unit.
Australia are also spoilt for choice as there are atleast 4-5 individuals for Australia who can open the innings. “I’m not sure of the make-up of our top three or four yet, there’s a lot of guys who can fill that position,” Smith said. “We’ve got three games to look at that before the World Cup. We’ve got some very destructive and talented batters up the top of the order.”
“We’ve got three games to look at that before the World Cup. “We’ve got some very destructive and talented batters up the top of the order,” said Smith. Australia are grouped along with hosts India, New Zealand, Pakistan and a qualifying team for the World T20.