Australia captain Mitchell Marsh has acknowledged the criticism coming from back home after his side’s shock group-stage exit from the T20 World Cup, saying the team “respects the noise” following a disappointing campaign.
The 2021 champions crashed out of the tournament after unexpected defeats to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, failing to reach the Super Eight stage for the first time since 2009. Their elimination was confirmed after Zimbabwe progressed from Group B alongside co-hosts Sri Lanka.
Speaking ahead of Australia’s final group match against Oman, Marsh admitted the squad was hurting but understood the scrutiny.
“We certainly respect the noise back home when things don’t quite go to plan. We know that comes with representing Australia,” Marsh said. “We reflect on ways to improve moving forward. The group is obviously very disappointed not to make the Super Eights.”
Australia’s campaign unravelled quickly despite entering the tournament as one of the favourites. A rain-affected fixture between Zimbabwe and Ireland in Kandy sealed their fate, but it was the stunning loss to Zimbabwe that proved most damaging.
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The tournament was plagued by injuries and selection setbacks. Australia were without their premier pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, weakening their bowling attack from the outset. Marsh himself also battled injury during the competition, further unsettling the team’s balance.
There were also questions around selection decisions. An in-form Steve Smith was initially left out of the squad and only joined as injury cover after Hazlewood was ruled out shortly before the Zimbabwe defeat.
Despite flashes of batting quality in patches, particularly in the early stages of their loss to Sri Lanka, Australia struggled for consistency throughout the campaign.
Selector Tony Dodemaide has confirmed that a comprehensive “forensic review” will be conducted once the squad returns home, signalling a period of introspection for the limited-overs powerhouse, which boasts six ODI World Cup titles and one T20 World Cup crown.
Australia will co-host the 2028 T20 World Cup alongside New Zealand, adding further urgency to their rebuilding process ahead of the next global cycle.
