T20 World Cup: Australian selection and team news

Steve Smith reckons he is made for the conditions in this World Cup - but Australia could again look in another direction to cover Aaron Finch.

Steve Smith is keen to morph from spare part to saviour in cricket’s World Cup but injury-marred Australia is yet to knock on his door.

With Aaron Finch, Marcus Stoinis and Tim David having hamstring scans after Australia’s defeat of Ireland the chances are Australia will be looking for at least one new batsman for their final pool match against Afghanistan in Adelaide.

Cameron Green is favourite to be first man in because Australia will need an extra seam bowler if Stoinis cannot bowl so the pace bowling all-rounder is a logical fit.

If two players are ruled out – the results of the scans will be announced in Adelaide on Wednesday - Smith is likely to be recalled.

Smith is yet to play this tournament but on Tuesday said about himself what many others are saying as well – that bowler-friendly World Cup wickets and high pressure end of tournament matches make him a worthy option.

Steve Smith suits the current conditions. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty

“Some of the wickets have done quite a bit and you haven‘t seen those really big scores so guys like Virat (Kohli) in that game (India versus Pakistan) at the MCG just batted and then took it on later on,’’ Smith said.

“That’s the way I sort of like to go about things if things are difficult early. I play Test cricket. I play one-day cricket so I’ve got this sort of game to play in those sort of difficult circumstances if the wickets are doing a bit.

“That’s the role I see that I can play but we’ve gone obviously for a pretty power heavy side so far throughout this tournament, and we’ve played some pretty good cricket outside of the New Zealand game.

“We’ll see where the next couple of games or the next game lands, in terms of how guys are injury wise and the best way that you know, the strategy and selectors want to go. There’s obviously quite a few variables.’’

Aaron Finch is sweating on scans. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty

There is a saying that heavy duty tournaments such as the World Cup are won by heavy duty players and Smith is certainly one of those.

He was asked about his role in Australia’s 50 World Cup victory in 2015 on home soil and it allowed him to make justifiable claims about his ability to perform under significant pressure in a major tournament before home fans.

“I loved 2015, the back end of that tournament. It’s a long time ago now but I think I passed 50 in the last four or five games of that World Cup.

“So I know when I gets to the pressure sort of stages I like to think I go well in those situations. If the opportunity does arise, I‘ll be ready to go.’’