The star Aussie batsman who was recently conferred with the ICC Test Cricketer Of The Year will miss out on the T20 triangular series against New Zealand and England. The Aussie skipper has been rested and Australia will be led in the triangular series by the explosive batsman David Warner.
WHY HAS SMITH BEEN RESTED?
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Steve Smith, the full-time Aussie skipper has been rested from the triangular T20 series as the series will be followed by a tough test tour of South Africa. Smith has been constantly playing cricket for Australia and hence he has decided to opt out.
Speaking about Steve Smith being rested the chief selector of Cricket Australia, Trevor Hohnes said, “Steve Smith has had a very long summer and will benefit from a short break both physically and mentally before he leaves for South Africa.
ON WARNER BEING THE CAPTAIN
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The destructive opener David Warner has been chosen as the skipper of the Aussie side in the absence of Steve Smith. Speaking about David Warner taking over the captaincy, the chief selector said, “David is a capable leader and has captained in Steve Smith’s absence before and has done a fine job.”
Warner has also been a fine captain for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in The Indian Premier League and he has proved his capabilities as being a leader besides being a lethal modern day batsman.
He also added that they want to ensure that the players get enough preparation time before the South African tour. The four test matches series will begin just weeks after this triangular T20 series between Australia, England and New Zealand. The series will commence on February 3 and go on until February 21.
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Here is Australia’s Squad For The T20 Tri Series
David Warner (c), Aaron Finch, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Travis Head, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake. Marcus Stoinsi, Andrew Tye, and Adam Zampa.