Root omission surprises Smith

AUSTRALIA’S Steve Smith is surprised Joe Root has been overlooked by England for the forthcoming Twenty20 series between the sides, taking his omission as confirmation of the hosts’ ‘all-out power’ game.

Test captain Root has been left out despite the absence of Ben Stokes and an injury to Jason Roy, suggesting England’s selectors are moving on from arguably their most accomplished technical batsman when it comes to the shorter format.

Australia have gone the opposite way, drafting their most dominant red-ball player — Smith — back into the T20 line-up after a three-year absence and handing him the kind of ‘designated driver’ brief that Root aspires to in a side full of power-hitters and innovators. ‘It’s a surprise. Joe is a terrific player across all formats of the game,’ said Smith. ‘I guess England are opting for all-out power and are continuing to go that way. Everyone’s got different game plans and different ways to go. If everyone played the same way it would be a pretty boring game.

‘There are a few ways to skin a cat and ours might be a little bit different to England’s, which might be a little bit different to India’s.’

Smith is looking forward to the series against England after cricket’s pause because of the pandemic.

He added: ‘I know so much hard work has been going on behind the scenes enabling this series to happen.

‘It’s great we were able to get the pieces of the puzzle together for us to come over here and play this series to get our cricket up and running again. ‘Cricket is such a big part of the culture in Australia and England. Hopefully we can put on a good show.’