Warne calls for T20 axe to swing

AUSTRALIAN cricketing great Shane Warne believes Steve Smith shouldn’t play in Justin Langer’s side for the remainder of the T20 World Cup.

The former leg-spinner took to Twitter following Australia’s heavy loss to England on Sunday morning to criticise the side’s selection as they went down by eight wickets.

Despite making 64 runs so far this tournament at an average of 32, Warne has called for Langer to drop Smith with Mitchell Marsh to take his position in the batting order.

On top of Smith’s axing, Warne says he would move Marcus Stoinis up the order for Glenn Maxwell if the side is to lose multiple wickets again in the powerplay.

While Warne has his criticisms of the side’s make-up, Australia are still in a solid position to progress to the knockout stage as they sit third in group one.

Australia next play Bangladesh in their group clash at 9pm on Thursday night.

– BY LACHLAN GELEIT/ SEN