Former Australia bowling great Glenn McGrath has slammed selectors for choosing Cameron Green over Steve Smith in the T20 World Cup 2026 squad if Green was not to bowl. This comes after Australia’s disastrous group-stage exit from the T20 World Cup 2026, as they lost to Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

Green, selected for his all-round ability, had a disappointing season with the bat, scoring only 24 runs in three matches. His totals included 21 in the opening, but a disappointing zero and three in the team's most important games.

He barely bowled seven deliveries during the competition, creating severe concerns about his role and worth in the XI.

“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,” McGrath told the Sunday Morning Herald.

Despite entering the T20 World Cup 2026 as favorites, Australia couldn’t live up to expectations. They came into the event without Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, who are dealing with injuries, and Mitchell Starc, who retired from the format.

McGrath said the result reflected a deeper decline in Australia’s dominance.

“We said at the start of this World Cup that we were concerned about Australia. All of a sudden, the aura of that Australian team is no longer there when other teams play it. Unfortunately, it's not surprising,” he said.

Former pacer Jason Gillespie also criticized the continuous support for disappointing young players, notably Cooper Connolly.

“Cooper Connolly, and I think to a lesser extent Cameron Green, they’re just not repaying the absolute faith that has been given,” Gillespie said.

Australia will now try to recover some respect when they face Oman in their final match at Pallekele International Stadium on Friday.