Massive call for Australia's World Cup opener

Australia person stuck with Mitch Marsh astatine 3 for the T20 World Cup opener, leaving Steve Smith somewhat further down the batting order.

As the cards were handed successful fractional an hr earlier play, galore were wondering if the Aussies would elite to determination Smith up to archetypal driblet aft the team's disappointing warm-up to the tournament.

Former Test skipper Ian Chappell was 1 who had called for Smith to beryllium elevated, but alternatively it volition beryllium Marsh astatine 3 with Glenn Maxwell astatine four, and Smith five.

At the different extremity of the squad sheet, the squad person gone with conscionable 1 spinner for their opening lucifer of the T20 World Cup against South Africa, leaving Ashton Agar retired of the side.

With lone country for 4 bowlers, Aaron Finch's men elected not to spell with some Adam Zampa and Agar successful a 2 spinner combination.

Australia volition play 5 matches during radical play, with the apical 2 teams from each half-dozen advancing to the semi-finals - truthful each crippled is crucial.

Finch won the flip and elected to bat.

More to come