The mighty Australians faced an early exit from T20 World Cup 2026 as rain gods washed out the Ireland-Zimbabwe fixture on February 17. The selectors, captain Mitchell Marsh and the team management are facing scrutiny for every decision taken prior and during the mega event. However, the exit hasn’t surprised their legendary pacer Glenn McGrath who saw it coming from a mile away. McGrath believes that the Australia aura was missing from Marsh-led side.
“We said at the start of this World Cup that we were concerned about Australia,” McGrath said on The Fast Bowling Cartel podcast hosted by his former teammate Damien Fleming, pointing to the absence of pacers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins due to injury.
“All of a sudden, the aura of that Australian team is no longer there when other teams play it ... unfortunately, not surprising.”
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McGrath was left perplexed by the selection calls. At first, Steve Smith didn’t find a place in the squad. After his late entry, he did not play in the must-win game. Also, Matt Renshaw did not play against Sri Lanka despite a gritty half-century against Zimbabwe in the previous clash.
“You wonder what’s happening ... it’s all over the place,” McGrath said.
Green’s place questioned
McGrath further questioned selectors for sticking with Cameron Green despite him not being in form. He feels Green didn't justify his spot.
“If he’s not bowling, then what the selectors are saying is that he’s a better player than Steve Smith. If he’s not bowling, I just can’t see how he justifies a spot in that side,” McGrath said.
Green was impressive in the T20 World Cup 2026, registering scores of 21, 0 and 3.
Australia’s inconsequential match
After their ouster from Super 8 race, Australia will have to wait till February 20 for their last group stage clash. They will go up against Oman at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in a dead rubber game.
What’s next for Australia after early exit?
After the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Australia are set to tour Bangladesh for three ODIs and as many T20Is. It will be interesting to see whether the George Bailey-led selection committee makes wholesale changes to the T20I squad.