Steve Smith speaks out after 'confusing' Aussie move sparks backlash

Steve Smith has insisted he's not concerned about his place in Australia's team ahead of the T20 World Cup despite being axed for the first match against West Indies on Wednesday night.

Commentators and fans were left scratching their heads over Smith's omission from the playing XI, with Cameron Green retaining his place in the side despite not being picked for the World Cup.

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Green has made a mockery of the selectors' decision to leave him out of Australia's squad for the World Cup starting later this month, starring as an opener in the recent T20 series against India.

With David Warner back in action after missing the India series, the Aussies made the staggering call to leave Green in for the opening match against the Windies, which saw captain Aaron Finch slide down the order to No.4 and Smith left out of the XI altogether.

Commentators were left to question the wisdom of the decision in light of the fact that Green isn't part of Australia's plans for the World Cup.

“Cameron Green is not in the squad for the World Cup, so it seems strange that he would open," Mark Waugh said on Fox Sports.

“If you’re preparing for the World Cup, why would you open with him? Wouldn’t Aaron Finch be opening the batting to prepare for the World Cup?

“I find it a little confusing … who knows what’s happening there.”

Former Test wicket-keeper Brad Haddin added: “I find the decision odd, to be honest.

“They’re obviously thinking about this game only … it makes no sense otherwise to be playing Cameron Green when he hasn’t even been selected in this original squad.”

Many have called for Green to replace Smith in Australia's World Cup squad, with Smith's T20 record not nearly as good as that in Tests and ODIs.

But ICC rules dictate that changes can only be made in the event of an injury.

Australia is keen to have as many bowling options in their top six as possible, meaning Smith looms as the odd-man out going forward.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Smith addressed the situation and said he wasn't concerned about his place in the side.

"Whether that's going to be the same going forward, I'm not really sure," Smith said.

"We've got a really good depth to our squad. Tim David's come in and done really well. Everyone's in a good place. So we'll wait and see.

"People talk about matchups for different oppositions and conditions – we've got a really good squad so we can pick it accordingly … we've got options whichever way we go about it."

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Mitch Marsh has already flown to Perth ahead of Sunday's clash with England, opening up a spot for Smith to come back in for the second match against the Windies on Friday in Brisbane.

Glenn Maxwell and Australia's entire first-string bowling attack will then sit out the first match against England, giving Smith plenty of opportunity to reminder selectors of his worth.

Australia will play two more matches against England in Canberra next week before a practice match against India in Brisbane six days before their first match of the World Cup on October 22 against New Zealand.

Pat Cummins admitted after Wednesday night's win over the West Indies that he wished there was a way for Green to be in the World Cup squad.

"If you look around Australian venues, you have big squares and bounce. Having a tall fast bowler is really beneficial," Cummins said.

"He can bowl in the first six overs and be a real wicket-taking option. If you need someone to bowl in the middle and be aggressive he can do that."

with AAP

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