‘Disappointed’: Glenn McGrath Reacts to Australia’s T20 WC Exit

Glenn McGrath expressed disappointment after Australia’s group-stage exit in the T20 World Cup 2026, questioning selection decisions, including Steve Smith’s omission.

Australia crashed out in the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 for only the second time in tournament history. The 2021 champions failed to reach the Super Eight after losses to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. Their exit came even before the final group match.

Glenn McGrath expressed disappointment over Australia’s exit. He said he had concerns about the team’s balance and did not expect a deep run.

Speaking in Chennai during his visit to the MRF Pace Foundation, McGrath questioned several selection decisions. He highlighted that Steve Smith, who joined as an injury replacement and showed form in the Big Bash, did not play a single game. He also pointed to Matt Renshaw’s 66 against Zimbabwe and his absence in the following match against Sri Lanka.

“I said I was concerned about Australia. I thought they might make the Super Eight, but to be honest, I didn’t feel they would progress much further. The fact that they didn’t even make the last eight is disappointing,” he said to Sportstar.

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“Steve Smith, who had been in form in the Big Bash, was there but not selected. Matt Renshaw scored 66 against Zimbabwe and was not picked for the next game against Sri Lanka. I’m not sure what they were thinking, you do wonder about the selections,” McGrath added.

With the semi-finals starting on Wednesday, Glenn McGrath predicted India and South Africa to reach the final. He also rated South Africa as the standout team of the tournament so far.

“I think South Africa has been the team of the tournament so far. They will be tough to beat, but on their day, India can do something special. England is a dangerous team, but they have been all over the place,” the former cricketer concluded.