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The Mitchell Marsh-led Australian team has been facing the heat after their early exit from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. While a few changes may be expected in the T20I squad, legendary captain Ricky Ponting doesn't see Glenn Maxwell playing in the Los Angeles Olympics 2028. In addition to Maxwell, Ponting says that there is a question mark over Marcus Stoinis as well.
"Glenn Maxwell, I don't think will be there. I think it looks to me like his career is coming towards an end. Marcus Stoinis would also probably be a question mark, but he's predominantly playing only T20 cricket tournaments around the world these days. Doesn't play a lot of state cricket and obviously plays the BBL, so with his all round ability, he might be there,” Ponting told the ICC following Australia’s T20 World Cup exit.
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37-year-old Maxwell did not showcase the attacking brand of cricket he is known for. Despite his experience in Sri Lankan conditions, he managed to register scores of 9, 31 and 22 in group stage.
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Marcus Stoinis followed up the 45-run knock against Ireland with two single-digit scores. The 36-year-old was expensive in the game against Sri Lanka as well despite claiming two wickets.
On the other hand, Ponting believes Steve Smith will stay true to his word about wanting to be there for cricket's return to the Olympics.
“Steve Smith has been very vocal about him wanting to be a part of an Olympic team as well. Whether or not that happens is a different story,” said the Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach.
Will Smith play vs Oman?
Smith wasn’t picked in the original squad for the T20 World Cup 2026. He was called in as standby as Marsh suffered a testicular injury which led to him missing first two games.
Smith is currently a part of the squad. Australia still have to face Oman in their last group stage clash on February 20. It is yet to be seen whether Smith gets a place in the side after a long absence from T20I arena.
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