Smith snubbing strange: Waugh
FORMER Australian selector Mark Waugh says any suggestion of a rift with current players was “overplayed” as he called for an explanation of why Steve Smith was overlooked for the captaincy in Sydney last Saturday.
Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was given the nod to lead Australia for the first time in the one-day international win over England, with Pat Cummins not playing.
Cummins had served just one match as new skipper before he was rested, and despite Smith taking over during a Test in Adelaide last year that the captain missed due to a Covid rule, he was not chosen this time.
Waugh said it “made no sense” and, while not against Hazlewood being captain, said selectors should “clear the air” on Smith’s snubbing.
“It was a left-field section, I couldn’t quite believe it, and that’s nothing against Josh Hazlewood. I don’t understand it,” Waugh said on Monday.
“What would be good would be an explanation from selectors. Smith was the obvious choice.
“I’d just like to hear an explanation … to put us all at ease. It doesn’t make sense to me. Wouldn’t it be better if the selectors came out and gave us a reason?”
Waugh conceded selectors were not “obliged” to explain every call.
“But when it’s a big one, and a bit left-field, it would be good to clear the air,” he told RSN.
Amid reports Cummins had met with former player, now commentator, Adam Gilchrist to address a perceived rift emanating from the player-led sacking of Justin Langer as coach, Waugh was adamant there were no issues with the current players.
“This is all overplayed a bit,” he said.