Crick Valley Reels

Ravichandran Ashwin has raised some sharp questions about Australia's approach to T20 cricket after their surprising early exit from the T20 World Cup 2026.

The Indian off-spinner was quite direct in his views. He said something like, "It's really surprising that Australia couldn't even reach the top eight. They haven't been very strong in T20 World Cups, and it makes you wonder how seriously they take this format."

Ashwin noted that missing key fast bowlers like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, plus Mitchell Starc not being in their T20 plans anymore, hurt the team. But he feels a big cricket nation like Australia has so much talent and depth that they shouldn't depend too much on just a few players.

He added, "With all their skills and resources, they should show more focus and real commitment to build better teams for future T20 World Cups. In this one, they never looked like serious contenders. I was really looking forward to an India vs Australia match in the Super 8."

Ashwin's comments highlight ongoing doubts about Australia's consistency and drive in the shortest format. For a team known for ruling in Tests and ODIs, this early knockout is another reminder that they need to rethink their T20 strategy. What do you think — is it just a one-off bad tournament, or do they need bigger changes?

Beau Webster produced a masterclass of patience and control in Tasmania's Sheffield Shield clash against New South Wales at Bellerive Oval, Hobart. As stand-in captain, the Test all-rounder remained unbeaten on 108 off 260 balls (including 8 fours and 1 six, strike rate around 41.5), guiding Tasmania to a strong second-innings total of 454.

This set up a challenging target of 235 for NSW to chase in their second innings, with the game heading into the final day under lights with the pink ball.
Tasmania's first innings had been dismissed for 136, with Webster contributing modestly there before NSW posted 356 (thanks to solid knocks like Josh Philippe's 81 and William Salzmann's 73). In reply, Tasmania rebuilt steadily in their second dig: opener Jake Weatherald fell agonisingly for 95 (helping set a platform), Charlie Wakim made 57, and Jake Doran added useful runs lower down.

Webster's marathon knock anchored the innings through key phases, absorbing pressure from the NSW bowlers (Ryan Hadley took 3-107 in a long spell) while rotating strike and accelerating when needed. His disciplined approach turned a precarious position into a commanding lead of 234 runs at the dinner break on day four.

This performance is yet another strong showing from Webster in domestic red-ball cricket, underlining his consistency, temperament, and value as an all-rounder.

Australian selectors: knocks like this – patient, match-defining centuries in tough situations – make a compelling case. He's proven himself repeatedly at this level; it's time to give him sustained backing in the Test team rather than sidelining him.

Outstanding effort, Beau. Well played.

Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain and cricket legend, has made a strong statement about Glenn Maxwell's future in international cricket. After Australia's early exit from the T20 World Cup 2026, where they were knocked out in the group stage, Ponting shared his thoughts in an interview with The ICC Review.

He said: "Glenn Maxwell, I don't think will be there (in 2028). It looks to me like his career is coming towards an end."

This means Ponting believes Maxwell will not play in the 2028 T20 World Cup, which Australia and New Zealand will co-host. Maxwell has already retired from ODIs, and his form and fitness issues in recent times have raised questions about his long-term future in the game.

Australia still has one match left in this World Cup against Oman on February 20 in Kandy. Many fans and experts now think this game could be Maxwell's last appearance for Australia in an international tournament. It might even mark the end of his international career, as the team plays a dead rubber with nothing left to fight for in the competition.

Glenn Maxwell has been a big star for Australia, known for his explosive batting and handy off-spin. He has given some unforgettable moments in World Cups, but recent struggles seem to have led legends like Ponting to predict the end of his era.

Fans are emotional about this possibility. Maxwell's fans hope he can prove the doubts wrong, but Ponting's words have started a big discussion about the future of Australia's T20 team. What do you think—will Maxwell play until 2028, or is this really the beginning of the end?

"Ramiz Raja recently shared his thoughts on Pakistan's batting order in a post-match analysis during the T20 World Cup 2026.

He pointed out that number 4 may not be the ideal position for Babar Azam, suggesting Babar would perform better opening the innings, where he has historically excelled with his technique and consistency.

This comes at a time when Babar has been struggling in the ongoing tournament—scoring low in several matches, like 15 against the Netherlands, just 5 against India, and not even getting a chance to bat in the big win over Namibia, amid ongoing concerns about his strike rate and form in T20s.

On the other hand, Ramiz noted Saim Ayub's current form, particularly his impressive bowling contributions (like taking key wickets), but suggested his batting has been inconsistent so far. He proposed using Saim as a flexible floater in the middle order to make the most of his all-round abilities.

It's an interesting perspective as Pakistan looks to fine-tune the lineup for the remaining games. What do you think—should the team consider this change?

Daniel Cherny, the chief cricket writer for CODE Sports, has given a harsh assessment of Glenn Maxwell's current form after Australia's shocking and disappointing T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. Australia failed to reach the Super 8 stage and got eliminated from the group stage itself. This is the first time since 2009 that Australia has not advanced from the group stage in a T20 or ODI World Cup.

In his article looking at the five big mistakes that led to Australia's collapse and early exit, Cherny focused on the veteran all-rounder's struggles.
He wrote: "Maxwell can clearly no longer be relied upon and this could well be the end of his international career."

Maxwell, now 37 years old, has been a big part of Australia's success for many years. He is known for his explosive batting, clever spin bowling, and match-winning ability in big games. Fans remember his amazing knocks, like the double century against Afghanistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup. But in this T20 World Cup, things went very wrong for him and the team.

Australia suffered heavy losses, including a shock defeat to Zimbabwe, and a defeat to Sri Lanka. Their campaign ended early when rain washed out the Zimbabwe vs Ireland match, giving Zimbabwe the points they needed to qualify for the Super 8 while Australia stayed stuck with low points. They could not catch up even if they won their last group game.

Maxwell's recent performances have been weak. His batting has lacked power, with low scores and slow strike rates compared to his usual explosive style. Coming into the tournament, he had a tough Big Bash League season, scoring few runs and struggling overall.

Cherny pointed out that at 37, Maxwell's body and form may not allow him to perform at the top level anymore. The team has relied on him as a key middle-order hitter and part-time spinner, but he has not delivered. This has added to Australia's problems, along with injuries to players like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, poor form from others, and bad decisions in team management.

Despite the tough words, Maxwell has said he has no plans to retire right away from international cricket. He wants to keep playing, especially in T20s. But Cherny's comment shows the growing worry among experts and fans after this humiliating group stage exit.

Robert Craddock, a well-known Australian cricket journalist (often called "Crash"), recently shared strong thoughts on Cameron Green after Australia's tough T20 World Cup campaign. In his article for CODE Sports, he pointed out concerns about Green's current form across formats.

Craddock wrote: "There is a chance he may never be the player Australia thinks he is." He added that this possibility "would hurt deeply" for Australian cricket.

Green, at 26, is seen as a key link between the old and new generations in the team. Many believe he has huge potential as an all-rounder and could even become a future Test captain one day. Australia has high hopes for him because of his talent with bat and ball. But right now, Craddock says Green looks far from that level. He once seemed very calm and composed, but lately he appears to be struggling and searching for his best form in all forms of the game.

This comment comes at a time when Australia is facing a bigger generational crisis after their World Cup disappointment. Craddock feels Green has become a major problem for the team because they need him to step up and fill that important role. While some young players like Cooper Connolly are also out of form, Green's situation stands out more due to the expectations on him.

Fans and experts will watch closely to see if Green can bounce back and prove the doubters wrong. Cricket Australia still backs him heavily, but Craddock's words remind everyone that talent alone may not be enough if the form doesn't return soon.

The Australian cricket team has faced a massive upset in the T20 World Cup 2026. In a result that shocked fans worldwide, the "Kangaroos" were knocked out during the group stage. While Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe moved forward to the Super 8s from Group B, Australia managed to win only one match against Ireland. Legendary former captain Ricky Ponting recently shared his honest thoughts on why the team failed so badly.

Ponting pointed out that injuries to key players like Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins created problems right from the start. However, he believes the loss to Zimbabwe was the real turning point. Referring to that defeat, Ponting said, "That’s going to be the game that they’re going to think back on and think, like, 'That’s our World Cup gone, there and then.'" He also praised Sri Lanka for their performance, noting that they played exceptionally well on their home soil

A major concern for Ponting is that this current team lacks the "fear factor" that Australian teams usually have. He feels the top-order players did not perform when it mattered most. Specifically, he mentioned that players like Cameron Green and Tim David failed to "fire" in big moments. Ponting explained, "When you look at that Australian team on paper, it just doesn't look to have that sort of aura around it that a lot of other Australian teams have." He added that to win big trophies, experienced players must win the "big moments," which didn't happen this time.

The defeat has also made Ponting the target of some friendly jokes. He mentioned that his Indian friends have been teasing him about Australia's early exit. While he usually enjoys sending "cheeky messages" back when Australia wins, he admitted he couldn't do that this time. Despite the disappointment, he clarified that former players aren't looking to bash the current team. "We just want to see our team do well. So, unfortunately, that hasn't happened over the last couple of weeks," he remarked.

Looking ahead to the 2028 T20 World Cup and the Los Angeles Olympics, Ponting discussed who might still be in the team. He expects Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, and Josh Inglis to stay. He also mentioned that Steve Smith is very eager to play in the Olympics. However, he was less certain about the veterans. Speaking on Glenn Maxwell, Ponting said, "I think it looks to me like his career is coming to an end." He believes fresh faces like Nathan Ellis and Xavier Bartlett will be the future of the squad.

The cricketing world witnessed a lively social media exchange between former players Mohammad Kaif and Damien Martyn after Australia's disappointing early exit from the T20 World Cup 2026. This came after the Aussies were knocked out in the league stage, confirmed when rain washed out the Zimbabwe vs Ireland match, marking only their second such failure in the tournament's 10 editions.

Mohammad Kaif, the former Indian batsman, took to social media to mock the "Mighty Aussies" tag, highlighting their struggles since the 2023 ODI World Cup win. He pointed to their poor showings in major events like the 2025 Champions Trophy and the World Test Championship, and even claimed that India would have lifted the 2023 ODI World Cup trophy if Hardik Pandya had featured in the final at Ahmedabad.

Damien Martyn, the ex-Australian cricketer who recently battled and recovered from meningitis, responded firmly but concisely. He defended his country's proud legacy, noting that while no team stays dominant forever and dips are part of the game, Australia's trophy cabinet remains unmatched with six ODI World Cup titles and several other major honours. He emphasized that other nations would struggle to surpass Australia's overall record haul, expressing confidence in their ability to bounce back due to their strong cricketing DNA.

Kaif's post sparked debate by questioning the current form of the Australian side, while Martyn's reply served as a reality check, reminding everyone of the historical gulf in achievements between the two nations. Though Australia is enduring a rough patch right now, Martyn's words underscored their enduring status as one of cricket's most successful teams statistically.

Pakistan's all-rounder Shadab Khan recently shared his thoughts on the ongoing discussions about Pakistan's performance against India in World Cups, especially after comments from former players.
He pointed out that many ex-cricketers have done great things for Pakistan in their careers. However, he added that at the end of the day, they have not achieved much in World Cups when it comes to beating India.

Shadab Khan said: "Our ex-cricketers have their own opinions. They have done well for Pakistan but at the end of the day, they have also not done such things in a World Cup [beating India]. We were the ones who defeated India in the 2021 World Cup."

He stressed that the current team deserves credit for that rare victory. Pakistan beat India in the 2021 T20 World Cup (by 10 wickets in Dubai), which was their first and only win against India in a World Cup match so far (across ODI and T20 formats, where India holds a strong record of 16 wins to Pakistan's 1 in ICC World Cups).

Shadab Khan further explained: "It's not about us. We have beaten India in World Cups just once in the history of cricket."

Referring to former captain Mohammad Yousuf (a legend in Pakistan cricket), Shadab acknowledged his status but noted his record against India in World Cups. He said: "He [Mohammad Yousuf] is a legend, but he also never did anything remarkable [against India] in the World Cup."

The Australian cricket team is facing heavy criticism after a disastrous group-stage exit from the T20 World Cup 2026. Despite entering the tournament as favorites, the team suffered humiliating losses to Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. This early departure has sparked a heated debate about the squad selection, particularly the decision to pick young all-rounder Cameron Green over the experienced Steve Smith.

Bowling legend Glenn McGrath has been very vocal about his disappointment. He questioned why Green was selected as an all-rounder if he wasn't going to contribute with the ball. Green had a poor run with the bat, scoring only 24 runs in three matches—including scores of zero and three in critical games. Most surprisingly, he bowled only seven deliveries throughout the entire tournament.
McGrath expressed his frustration to the Sunday Morning Herald, stating:

“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 on that side.”

Australia entered this World Cup with a weakened bowling attack, missing the injured Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, along with the retired Mitchell Starc. McGrath believes these failures indicate a deeper decline in the team’s reputation. He noted that opponents no longer fear the Australian side as they once did.
“All of a sudden, the aura of that Australian team is no longer there when other teams play it. Unfortunately, it's not surprising.”

McGrath isn't the only former star upset with the current state of the team. Former pacer Jason Gillespie also criticized the selectors for sticking with young players who aren't performing under pressure. He specifically pointed out Cooper Connolly and Cameron Green, saying:
“Cooper Connolly, and I think to a lesser extent Cameron Green, they’re just not repaying the absolute faith that has been given.”

The Australian team is now left to play for pride. They will face Oman in their final match at Pallekele International Stadium this Friday, hoping to recover some respect before heading home to address the many questions surrounding their future strategy and leadership.

Australia’s early exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has left fans in shock, especially after the team was considered a top favorite. Following their elimination, Australian selector Tony Dodemaide addressed the controversial decision to leave out star fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.

Many fans questioned why the "ace" duo wasn't part of the squad during such a critical tournament, but Dodemaide clarified that the decision was purely based on timing and the players' fitness schedules.
Both bowlers have been dealing with significant injuries. Hazlewood is currently recovering from Achilles and calf issues, while Cummins has been sidelined since mid-December to protect his back from a lumbar stress injury. Dodemaide emphasized that the players' loyalty to the national team is not in doubt. He explained that if the cricket calendar were different, the players would have prioritized the World Cup over franchise cricket.

"It's a timing issue. If it were in reverse, the IPL was first, and the World Cup was second, then they'd be missing the IPL to play in the World Cup. It's not going to be frustrating for us at all. We know their commitment to want to play and succeed for Australia," Dodemaide stated.

The timing of Australia’s exit was particularly painful. They were officially knocked out after a match between Zimbabwe and Ireland was rained out, allowing Zimbabwe to move into the Super Eight stage. This capped off a "forgetful campaign" for the Aussies, which included a tough loss to Zimbabwe and a heavy eight-wicket defeat against the co-hosts, Sri Lanka.

Despite the disappointment, the Mitchell Marsh-led side has one final chance to save some pride. Australia will face Oman in their last group-stage match on February 20 in Pallekele. While they cannot move forward in the tournament, the team aims to finish on a high note before heading home to focus on the recovery of their key players.

Iceland Cricket's official X account recently posted a sharp and funny troll aimed at Australia and their handling of Steve Smith during the T20 World Cup 2026.
The tweet said: "The best thing about the T20 World Cup for Steve Smith was the airport duty free. We would treat him better, with a statue and a lifetime supply of free cod. Sometimes, your best assets get forgotten."

This post is clearly trolling Australia for how they treated one of their biggest stars, Steve Smith. Australia did not pick Smith in their original squad for the tournament. Despite his strong form in domestic cricket like the Big Bash League, the selectors ignored him at first. Later, due to injuries in the team, they called him up as a replacement (for Josh Hazlewood) just before a key match against Sri Lanka. Even after flying him in and adding him to the squad, Australia did not give him a chance to play in the playing XI.

Many experts and former players, like Mark Waugh, called this decision baffling and even an insult to Smith, who is known for his great batting and fielding skills. Australia struggled in the tournament and faced early exit pressure, making the whole situation look worse.

Iceland Cricket, coming from a small cricket nation, used humor to point out the irony. They joked that the only good thing for Smith was shopping duty-free at the airport, while Iceland would honor him properly with a statue and endless free cod fish (a nod to Iceland's famous seafood). The line "your best assets get forgotten" hits hard, reminding everyone how Australia overlooked their top player when he could have helped the team.
It's a clever way for a lesser-known cricket board to poke fun at a big team's poor choices and get some laughs online. Cricket fans love this kind of savage banter!