'You love having guys like him around' - Ricky Ponting bats for Steve Smith's T20 World Cup consideration

Ricky Ponting has weighed in his opinion on Steve Smith’s chances of playing in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The former Australia captain asserted that he would love to have players like Smith in his squad. His opinion stemmed from the fact that Smith boasts huge experience having played a plethora of marquee events. Moreover, he has also led the Australian team for an ample amount of time.  

But Ponting’s opinion deviated from wholesome. He stressed the fact that while Smith does provide a calming effect in the dressing room, he said, he doesn’t see the right-handed batter in the playing eleven. His comments indicated that the 34-year-old can only play the role of a mentor, going into the high-stakes arena of the T20 World Cup.

"You love having guys like him around because of the experience and the calming influence that you can have around a team during a World Cup. But the other thing you always have to be mindful of is what role can he play? So I would think if Steve Smith does find his way into the squad, I don't think he will be in the starting XI," Ponting was quoted by ICC as saying.

"And I think that's probably been shown the last couple of weeks with the series they just played in New Zealand. I think he opened the batting in a couple of those games, but not all of those games and they're sort of spreading the load around a little bit trying to find their right combination, but would I have him in the squad? I think I'd have him in the squad, but he wouldn't be in my starting XI," he added.

Steve Smith will eye arrival on T20’s grandest stage

Smith made his T20I debut against Pakistan in 2010. Since then, he has appeared in 67 matches and has amassed 1094 runs, at a strike rate of 125.46. The upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 could be considered the biggest of all previous events. It boasts 55 matches, which are going to be played across nine different cities. Three cities in the USA and six in West Indies will host the visiting teams. The marquee event is going to commence from June 1 and will conclude on June 29. 

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: Mitchell Marsh likely to replace Pat Cummins as Australia captain