Former Australia wicketkeeper Ian Healy has strongly criticized Australia’s team selection following their defeat to Sri Lanka in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, a result that left them on the brink of elimination. Australia were hammered by eight wickets by the co-hosts after failing to defend 181 in Pallekele.
Pathum Nissanka (100* off 52) made a magnificent century to guide his side home in just 18 overs. With only one group stage match against Oman remaining, Australia now face a must-win scenario to keep their Super 8 hopes alive.
Speaking on SEN Cricket, Healy did not hold back in questioning the balance of the side and the rationale behind the changes made for the crucial encounter. He criticized the team management for not including Steve Smith in the playing XI after being called into the team as a replacement for Josh Hazlewood.
“We were down two bowlers and our best batsman was out in probably our last game down to one all-rounder and one bowler. And the captain himself was back. That was supposed to stretch our batting order. Cooper Connolly, really? How much is it going to stretch our batting order? He hasn’t hit double figures in six games. Connolly has to wait. But if Glenn Maxwell starts to develop, he might end up better as his replacement. bowling attack as a front-line bowler just not enough,” Healy said.
Australia’s batting order once again struggled to find fluidity in the Sri Lankan conditions and Healy claimed the constant shuffling only compounded the problems.
“We’re left with a lot of finishers and no starters. They can’t start in Sri Lanka as we’ve just talked about. Cameron Green at three, Tim David at four, Josh Inglis at five when he was an opener and seven – he’s getting bounced around and they’re wasting his good form. It’s just an uneven team. Then there’s Ott, Matt Rensha Ab Smith,” he added.
Healy further suggested that the problems stemmed from a flawed selection philosophy that favored power hitting over specialty batters. He also stated that Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Connolly cannot form a strong bowling attack.
How can Australia qualify for the Super 8?
“The mis-selection was a year ago when they really prioritized power over batsmanship. But Marcus Stoinis, Maxwell and Connolly are just not Australia’s bowling attack. They are part-timers who can be handy – that’s about it. Especially when Abbott is on the bench and not sidelined,” he said.
Australia must now quickly regroup ahead of their final group game against Oman, with qualifications hanging in the balance and increasing control over team management selection challenges. They face stiff competition from Zimbabwe, who earlier beat them by 23 points in the group stage. Sikandar Raza-led Zimbabwe national cricket team need just one win from their remaining two matches to advance to the Super 8 and knock Australia out of the competition.
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Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
February 17, 2026