Cheif Selector Bailey reveals Steve Smith will open against South Africa in T20Is and also blames Labuschagne inconsistency for his exclusion in World Cup squad.

George Bailey, the chairman of selectors for Australia, has revealed that Steve Smith will be given the opening slot in the upcoming T20I series against South Africa. The three-match T20I series is set to kick off on August 30 in Durban, South Africa, followed by a five-game ODI series between the two teams. Smith’s impressive performances during the Big Bash League (BBL) 2022-23 season while playing for the Sydney Sixers caught the attention of the selectors.

George Bailey said “He’s the one guy out of that multi-format players heading across (for the T20s). We wanted to give him that opportunity. It was pretty exhilarating, his innings in the Big Bash, and I thought it highlighted the skill set he has and what he can do. The way he played in the Big Bash, we wanted to see that replicated internationally, He was really keen to come across and be a part of that.

That may mean he has a rest through a couple of the one-dayers (against South Africa). Certainly excited to see him bring that Big Bash opening outlook into that role internationally.”

George Bailey, also has addressed the exclusion of Marnus Labuschagne from the ODI World Cup preliminary squad. The selection committee recently revealed the 18-member squad for the highly anticipated ODI event, set to take place in India from October 5.

“We know Marnus at his best is good enough to hold down a spot in the one-day team, we just haven’t seen enough of it consistently in the role that we’d like him to do. We’ve been really clear with Marnus; he’s going to be part of some Australia A games at the same time so he can focus on some white-ball cricket,” Bailey added.