Intro
Injury-hit champions crash out, promise thorough post-tournament assessment
Melbourne
Former champions Australia national cricket team will undertake a “forensic review” of their disastrous ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign after crashing out in the group stage for the first time since 2009.
The 2021 title winners failed to progress to the Super Eights, suffering defeats to Sri Lanka national cricket team and Zimbabwe national cricket team. Both Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe advanced from the group, leaving Australia with an inconsequential final fixture against Oman national cricket team in Pallekele.
Selector Tony Dodemaide said a comprehensive assessment would follow once the squad returns home. “It’s really disappointing the way the tournament has rolled out,” he said, adding that the team would analyse the campaign fully after completing their final commitment.
Australia’s campaign was derailed by injuries even before it began. Frontline pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were ruled out, while Mitchell Starc retired from T20 internationals. Captain Mitchell Marsh was also sidelined mid-tournament, severely affecting team balance.
An in-form Steve Smith was initially overlooked and only joined as cover after Hazlewood’s late withdrawal before the loss to Zimbabwe.
With Australia set to co-host the 2028 T20 World Cup alongside New Zealand, Dodemaide said planning for the future would begin once emotions settle. “We want to win every World Cup, especially at home,” he stated, stressing that a clear roadmap covering both the 2027 ODI World Cup and the 2028 T20 event would be drawn up after a detailed review.
