McGrath Blasts Australia's T20 World Cup Selection After Humiliating Exit
Australia's shocking group-stage elimination from the T20 World Cup 2026 has drawn fierce criticism from legendary fast bowler Glenn McGrath, who has directly challenged the selectors' controversial decision to favor all-rounder Cameron Green over experienced batsman Steve Smith.
Green's Disastrous Tournament Performance
Cameron Green, selected primarily for his dual batting and bowling capabilities, endured a catastrophic campaign that failed to justify his inclusion in the starting lineup. With the bat, Green managed a paltry total of just 24 runs across three matches, beginning with 21 in the opening game before registering scores of zero and three during Australia's most crucial fixtures.
More alarmingly, Green bowled a mere seven deliveries throughout the entire tournament, raising fundamental questions about his actual role and value within the team composition. This minimal bowling contribution essentially reduced him to a specialist batsman who delivered negligible returns.
McGrath's Scathing Assessment of Selection Policy
"If he's not bowling, then what the selectors are saying is that he's a better player than Steve Smith. If he's not bowling, I just can't see how he justifies a spot in that side," McGrath told the Sunday Morning Herald in a blunt critique that highlighted the selection committee's questionable judgment.
The Australian cricket icon emphasized that without Green contributing significantly with the ball, his inclusion over a proven performer like Steve Smith became completely indefensible, especially given Green's batting failures during the tournament's critical moments.
Australia's Tournament Collapse and Diminished Aura
Entering the competition as one of the clear favorites, Australia's campaign unraveled spectacularly after an initial victory against Ireland. Consecutive defeats to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka followed, culminating in a humiliating early exit that McGrath believes signals a deeper decline in Australian cricket's global dominance.
"We said at the start of this World Cup that we were concerned about Australia. All of a sudden, the aura of that Australian team is no longer there when other teams play it. Unfortunately, it's not surprising," McGrath observed, pointing to a worrying erosion of the psychological advantage Australian teams have traditionally enjoyed.
Additional Criticism from Former Players
Former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie joined the chorus of disapproval, criticizing the continued backing of underperforming young talents including Cooper Connolly alongside Cameron Green. "Cooper Connolly, and I think to a lesser extent Cameron Green, they're just not repaying the absolute faith that has been given," Gillespie stated, highlighting a broader selection issue beyond just the Green-Smith debate.
Australia now faces the task of salvaging some pride in their final group match against Oman at Pallekele International Stadium on Friday, though the fixture has been rendered meaningless following their elimination from the tournament.
Selection Controversy and Future Implications
The Green versus Smith selection debate has exposed significant flaws in Australia's current selection philosophy, particularly regarding the balance between developing young talent and fielding proven performers in major tournaments. McGrath's comments reflect growing concern among former players about the direction of Australian cricket following this embarrassing World Cup exit.
With Australia's aura of invincibility seemingly diminished according to McGrath's assessment, the team management faces intense scrutiny and pressure to reassess their selection criteria and team composition strategies ahead of future international competitions.
