A leading Big Bash League coach has urged Cricket Australia to rethink Steve Smith’s omission from the ICC T20 World Cup squad, arguing the veteran’s current form makes him impossible to ignore.
The call comes amid renewed debate about whether experience and elite batting IQ should outweigh long-term planning at the top level.
Greg Shipperd makes a case for Smith’s T20 World Cup recall
Speaking openly on the issue, Sydney Sixers coach Greg Shipperd laid out why he believes Smith should be fast-tracked back into Australia’s T20 plans.
“He is the best batter in the competition at the moment. If you do a deep dive into the stats of some of the players in there (the World Cup squad) at the moment, there’s a great case for Smith to be parachuted in,” Shipperd said.
He just understands batting, and he’s a great predictor, a great technician. He’s got all the strokes – he’s a 360 player, and he’s got experience and confidence. So all the things you need to be one of the world’s best batters,” he added.
Shipperd’s comments reflect a growing sentiment within Australian cricket that Smith’s tactical awareness and adaptability could be invaluable in high-pressure World Cup situations.
Steve Smith’s impact for Sydney Sixers this BBL season
Smith was one of the Sydney Sixers’ standout performers this Big Bash season, consistently anchoring innings at the top of the order. He has produced multiple high-impact knocks, often stabilising the innings when wickets fell early.
Beyond raw output, Smith’s value has been evident in his strike rotation, game awareness and ability to control the tempo against both pace and spin. His presence has also lifted those around him, with younger batters benefiting from his calm approach in tight chases.
Crucially, Smith has shown no signs of slowing down in the shortest format, handling varied conditions and bowling attacks with the same clarity that has defined his international career.
As Australia weighs their options ahead of the T20 World Cup, Shipperd’s argument is simple: form, experience, and reliability are hard to overlook, and Steve Smith currently offers all three.
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