In the last few years, the game of T20 cricket has been up; fans can feel the thrill and excitement in the shortest format. The T20 World Cup has always been a major ICC tournament to look out for; it’s a stage where records are broken and made.

Among many of the records, the fastest fifty as captain is one of the most interesting records to look at. One of a captain’s many crucial responsibilities is setting the pace for their team. What better way to do this than by scoring as many runs as possible in the fewest balls.

Fastest half-century in the Men’s T20 World Cup as captain

1) Rohit Sharma (India)

• Match:  India vs Australia
• Location: Gros Islet
• Date: 26 June 2024

Rohit Sharma produced an explosive batting performance as the Indian cricket team skipper slammed 92 off just 41 deliveries with a strike rate of whopping over 200 during the  ICC T20 World Cup 2024 match against Australia with seven fours and eight sixes – unlucky to miss out on a well-deserved century against Australia. An innings of the highest order smacked Aussies for fun, the vintage Hitman on display as he had reached the fifty off just 19 balls.

2) Mohammad Ashraful (Bangladesh)

• Match: Bangladesh vs West Indies
• Location: Johannesburg
• Date: 13 September 2007

An enthralling display of power hitting by Mohammad Ashraful and Aftab Ahmed helped Bangladesh stroll to a six-wicket win against the West Indies in Johannesburg. Ashraful’s scintillating innings saw him reach his fifty in just 20 balls, a record at the time. His aggressive knock included seven fours and three sixes, laying a solid foundation for Bangladesh’s chase. Supported by Ahmed, who provided stability and added crucial runs, Ashraful’s performance was pivotal in ensuring Bangladesh’s victory, marking a significant moment in their T20 World Cup campaign.

3) Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka)

• Match: Sri Lanka vs Kenya
• Location: Johannesburg
• Date: 14 September 2007

Records tumbled as the victory margin 172 set the record for the biggest ever in Twenty20 internationals. Mahela Jayawardene, who made 65, came within striking distance of recording the second-fastest fifty of that time in only 21 balls, and the score of 260 foretold the match’s outcome even before the Kenya openers took guard.

Also READ: T20 World Cup: Top?? 5 bowlers with most dot balls in an innings ft. Lockie Ferguson

4) Chris Gayle (West Indies)

• Match: West Indies vs Australia
• Location: London
• Date: 6 June 2009

In the space of 50 balls, Chris Gayle slammed 88 runs of the most coolly destructive caliber, including six enormous sixes Gayle’s efforts eviscerated an Australian attack Gayle’s efforts eviscerated an Australian attack. This was Twenty20 batting at its most violent. Set a reasonable victory target of 170 by a scuffling Australian batting line-up. Gayle, who reached fifty off just 23 balls, eventually hit six sixes and six fours in his innings.

5) George Baily (Australia)

• Match: Australia vs West Indies
• Location: Colombo
• Date: 5 October 2012

During the contest between Australi??a and West Indies ??in 2012 at Colombo, George Baily took the Caribbean bowlers to the cleaners. He hit 6 fours and 4 sixes during his brilliant knock of 63 runs from 29 balls. During his whirlwind knock, she also reached the fifty from just 23 deliveries.

Also READ: Top 5 highest powerplay totals in Men’s T20 World Cup history 

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Australia and Namibia faced off in the sixth warm-up match ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 at Trinidad’s Queen’s Park Oval on Tuesday. Namibia, batting first after being asked to do so, posted a below-par total of 119 runs, losing 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs, largely due to impressive spells from Adam Zampa (4-0-25-3) and Josh Hazlewood (4-3-5-2). In response, Mitchell Marsh‘s team chased down the target in just 10 overs with seven wickets in hand. David Warner‘s unbeaten knock of 54 runs off 21 balls steered his team to victory.

An unusual moment in the game occurred w??hen the Australian team had to include retired players in their playing XI due to the absence of their main players.

George Bailey and Andrew McDonald take on the field against Namibia

Australia’s World Cup squad currently comprises only nine out of the designated 15 members, as Travis Head, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, and Marcus Stoinis opted to take a break following their participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

Consequently, head coach Andrew McDonald, along with assistants Brad Hodge and Andre Borovec, as well as chief selector George Bailey, had to step in as substitute fielders during the match to fulfil the team’s required number. These retired cricketing legends were spotted wearing unmarked shirts as they took to the field during the game.

Also READ: Paul Collingwood predicts the semifinalist of T20 World Cup 2??024

Josh Hazlewood opens up on playing with 9 players in the match

Hazlewood, who displayed remarkable bowling prowess during the match, came to speak following the team’s victory. The ace pacer highlighted that despite missing many of their key players, it was essential for the remaining team members to participate in the warm-up match to prepare for the upcoming ICC tournament. He also stressed that it was unusual for Australia to have many bowlers returning after a long break, underscoring the significance of this game as matches provide better preparation than mere training sessions.

“Obviously, we didn’t have a full quota of players but the guys who played, probably a few of us needed to coming off a big layoff. I know a number of the bowlers were coming off a long break, which is pretty unusual in our system, but it’s good to get out there. Playing is always different from training,”  said Hazlewood, as quoted by Associated Press.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2024 – Suryakumar Yadav humorously reminds Yashasvi Jaiswal about Rohit Sharma’s warning

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Cricket Australia (CA), on Wednesday, revealed the roster of their 15-member men’s squad for the impending T20 World Cup. Despite the inclusion of several recognizable players, the unexpected absence of prominent batsman Steve Smith caught many by surprise. While teams re??tain the option to revise th??eir squads until May 25, indications suggest that Smith is unlikely to receive a last-minute inclusion.

Steve Smith’s legacy in white ball formats

This marks the first time in a decade that Smith finds himself excluded from Australia’s World Cup roster, breaking a streak dating back to 2014. Smith, a stalwart in Australia’s cricketing landscape, has been a constant presence in the national side’s white-ball campaigns, notably contributing to their title wins in the 2015 ODI World Cup, 2021 T20 World Cup, and 2023 ODI World Cup.

Decline in T20 participation

However, his involvement in the T20 format has dwindled over the years, evident from his limited appearance in the 2022 T20 World Cup (played only one game), as Australia shifted focus to power-hitters like Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Tim David.

George Bailey explains reason behind Smith’s absence

Chief selector and former Australia captain George Bailey has provided insight into Smith’s exclusion from the T20 World Cup 2024 squad. While acknowledging Smith’s recent achievements in the shortest format, Bailey indicated that the current team boasts a lineup well-suited for the top order.

“I think his (Steve Smith) best T20 work of late has come at the top of the order, and at the moment, we see that top order being really settled. I still think he’s got an enormous amount of good cricket left ahead of him, across what formats, I think that’s as much up for him to decide,” said Bailey as quoted by Metro.

Also READ: ??Australia announces squad for T20 World Cup 2024; no place for Steve Smith and Jake Frase?r-McGurk

Anticipation of format transition

Bailey highlighted Smith’s enduring passion for T20 cricket, evident from his upcoming participation in the MLC tournament. He also acknowledged that Australia has had several players involved in multiple formats for extended periods, but it’s inevitable that some may eventually prioritize or phase out certain formats as their careers progress, reflecting the natural evolution of players within cricketing contexts.

“I know he still loves playing T20 cricket �?he’s going to play some MLC later this year �?so that’s still an itch that he’d like to scratch. We’ve had a handful of players, probably more than some other countries, that have been multi-format for a long, long period of time, and it’s natural that some of those will start to drop off,” added Bailey.

Also READ: Twitter goes gaga as BCCI includes Sanju Samson in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2024

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Cricket Australia (CA) has unveiled the central contracts for the 2024-2025 season, awarding new deals to 23 players. However, the notable absence of veteran all-rounder Marcus Stoinis stands out as the biggest omission from the upcoming season’s contracts.

Marcus Stoinis’ absence

Stoinis, who recently dealt with injuries, was the part of the Australia‘s triumph in the ODI World Cup 2023 held in India. Nevertheless, his performance in the tournament was underwhelming, tallying only 97 runs and four wickets across six matches. Despite this, Stoinis remains in contention for a spot in Australia’s potential squad for the T20 World Cup 2024, slated to occur in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA) in June. But he is not among the players listed in the central contracts, alongside several ??other notable names.

Notable omissions and new talents

Apart from Stoinis, notable players like all-rounder Ashton Agar, opener Marcus Harris, pacer Michael Neser and the recently-retired David Warner are also left out of Cricket Australia’s list of central contracts. Instead, the board decided to extend new deals to a handful of promising new talents.

Further, Matt Short and Aaron Hardie are granted fresh contracts subsequent to their promotion to the contract roster earlier in the season. Alongside them, fast bowler Nathan Ellis also received a renewed deal, with Xavier Bartlett rounding out the list as the newest addition.

??Also READ: Mitchell Marsh identifies the most crucial Australian player for T20 W??orld Cup 2024

George Bailey’s confidence

Cricket Australia’s selection chair, George Bailey, expressed confiden??ce in the players awarded new contracts, affirming their potential for enduring international careers. He underscored the rationale behind extending contracts to these emerging talents, emphasizing their promising future in the cricketing arena.

“Matt, Aaron and Xavier have been extremely impressive in the early stages of their international careers. Their performances and the way they have embraced the international stage have been exciting to watch. The panel believes they have strong futures and deserve their contracts as they work towards striving to become regulars in the Australian setup,” Bailey was quoted as saying by Cricket.com.au

Cricket Australia’s centrally contracted men’s players for 2024-25:

Sean A?bbott, Xavier Barlett, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Jhye Richardson, Ma??tt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.

Also READ: Aussie legend Aaron Finch na??mes the greatest white ball player in international ??cricket

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The Australian cricket team have named Steve Smith as the opener for the upcoming Test series against West Indies, addressing the void left by David Warner‘s retirement after the recently concluded Test series against Pakistan. Head of Selectors George Bailey confirmed this move duri?ng a press conference on Wednesday, after the announcement of the Aussie squad.

Smith’s shift to the opening position alongside Usman Khawaja adds a new dimension to the lineup, allowing Cameron Green to take right-handed batter’s previous spot at number four. These strategic adjustments aim to optimize the team’s strengths in Warner’s absence, setting the stage for an exciting red-ball series against Caribbeans.

Reason behind Steve Smith’s selection as opener

While being questioned about whether Smith’s selection as an opener is just a mere experiment, Bailey cunningly replied that everything is just an experiment. He also underscored Smith’s desire to take the slot, a pivotal back force behind team management’s call.

“Tongue in cheek I could say everything’s an experiment. That’s been part of the discussions with Steve, I believe he’s keen for this to be a significant chapter of his career. We don’t look too far ahead�?(but) for all intents and purposes this is where Steve wants to stay,” said Bailey.

George Bailey’s praise for Smith

Bailey commended Smith’s selfless approach in expressing a willingness to venture into a new and different batting position despite enjoying considerable success in the middle order.

“It’s selfless that someone who has had so much success in one position or a couple of positions in the middle order is open and willing and hungry to have a crack at something new and something different,” the 41-year-old mentioned.

Also READ: Cricket Australia announces 13-man squad for West In??dies ODIs; Steve Smith to lead

Here is how Twitter reacted:

Steve Smith getting to open the batting in Tests is the most exciting reason to watch Test cricket in 2024. #cricket #australiancricket

— Jose Kagoo (@Gauravselvam) January 10, 2024

Steve Smith as a opener 🥶
My man is ready to do anything for a comeback

— Vatsal (@Vats_here) January 10, 2024

The Biggest move in Test cricket.

Steve Smith will open for Australia in Tests. [Fox Cricket] pic.twitter.com/MTYNbOEcGw

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 10, 2024

A new role for Steve Smith? 👀

More 👉 //t.co/upcjhz5p3a#WTC25 pic.twitter.com/ZZOsEQLtY4

— ICC (@ICC) January 7, 2024

Steve Smith was batting at 3 during T?HAT Ashes series.

Warner and Bancroft both opening. He was basically playing as an opener already back then…..did pretty good

— Syzlak (@Syzlak_) January 10, 2024

Steve Smith, started his career as number 8, bowling leg spin then backbone of Australian batting & now as a Test o??pener at the age of 34.

– What a great journey, The best Test batter in modern Era. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/fwbbJ3qtIy

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 10, 2024

Steve Smith is the modern day Ravi Shastri! What a journey 🙌 #australiacricket #stevesmith

— Cricket by JB (@cricketByJB) January 10, 2024

Smith can bat whenever he wants t?o. Bancroft not fit to clean his boots.

— Steve Turner (@kenbewdymate) January 10, 2024

Steve Smith is a best Test batter in Modern Era Cricket 🏏 but he’s te?chnically not good enough to open for Australia 🇦🇺 in Test cricket 🏏

— Zara Fatima 🌸 (@xara_fati) January 10, 2024

Excited to watch Steve Smith as a Test opener //t.co/QejNUaevl6

— Hammered Truth🇦🇺 (@hammered_truth7) January 10, 2024

Also READ: Australia unv??eil Test squad for the West I?ndies series; names a new opener

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Cricket Australia (CA) has set the stage for a memorable closure to the Pakistan series as they unveiled a formidable 13-man squad for the third and final Test against the visitors. It is worth mentioning that Australia are eager to make a clean sweep with the series already secured?? after consecutive victories in the opening two matches.

In a surprising move, the selection committee has decided to stick with the same squad that emerged victorious in Melbourne, ensuring continuit?y and stability in their quest for dominan??ce.

Cricket Australia announces unchanged squad for Sydney showdown

The official declaration for the retention of the winning combination from the Melbourne Test came from National Selection Panel (NSP), led by chief selector George Bailey.

Notably, the Melbourne Test witnessed a closely contested battle, with Aussie skipper Pat Cummins emerging as the hero with a sensational 10-wicket haul. His extraordinary performance, including fifers in both innings, earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match Award in the Boxing Day Test.

Also READ: Cricket South Africa names 7?? uncapped players in their Test squad for N??ew Zealand tour

As Cricket Australia has now retained the same squad from the Melbourne Test for the Sydney challenge, the decision reflects the confidence in the current lineup’s abilities and the desire to maintain a winning momentum by whitewashing Pakistan.

“The NSP have retained the same squad from Melbourne to Sydney as we look to clean sweep the Test series,” stated Bailey as he shed light on the decision.

David Warner’s final hurrah: George Bailey’s confirmation

One of the most significant announcements alongside the squad reveal is Bailey’s confirmation of David Warner‘s farewell Test in Sydney. The explosive left-handed opener will walk down the pitch in the green baggy for the last time, marking the end of an illustrious Test career. Bailey expressed the team’s anticipation for celebrating Warner’s final Test at his home ground, acknowledging the incredible contribution he has made to Australian cricket.

“We look forward to celebrating David Warner’s final Test match and his incredible career at his home ground,” revealed Bailey.

An integral part of Australia’s Test cricket history, Warner has been a prolific run-scorer and a charismatic presence on the field. As he prepares for his final appearance in the whites, all eyes will be on the dynamic opener to see if he can add another memorable chapter to his illustrious career.

Australia squad for Sydney Test:

Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Steve?? Smit??h, Mitchell Starc, David Warner

Also READ: Top 5 Test wicket-takers in 2023

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In the thrilling climax of the ODI World Cup 2023 final, Australia‘s momentous victory over the previously unbeaten India was undoubtedly a testament to their action-plan implementation on the field, masterfully orchestrated under the leadership of Pat Cummins. The Men in Blue, who had displayed an unyielding dominance thro?ughout the tournament, were ultimately outclassed, succumbing to a six-wicket defeat in the ultimate showdown at the Nare?ndra Modi Stadium.

Amidst the ongoing scrutiny within the Indian cricket fraternity, spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin, a key figure in the Indian ODI World Cup squad, provided insights into a pivotal conversation with Australia’s chief selector, George Bailey, during the pinnacle clash.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s conversation with Australia chief selector

Ashwin shared an interaction with Bailey, where he questioned their decision to bowl first. The latter then explained that based on their experience of playing in IPL and bilateral series at the venue, the red soil tends to disintegrate, making it challenging to bat on, while the black soil improves under the lights. This knowledge of the soil dynamics influenced the Aussies’ decision to field first in the match.

“When I was checking the pitch during the mid-innings break, I asked George Bailey why they did not opt to bat first. He said that they have played a lot of IPL and bilateral series here, in their experience, the red soil disintegrates while the black soil gets better to bat on under the lights,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Also READ – IPL 2024: Ravichandran Ashwin points out two k??ey players to watch out for ahead of the auction

‘I was shell-shocked to see their tactics’: Ashwin

Ashwin commended Australia for their exceptional tactics in the final, expressing his surprise at their strategic brilliance. He noted Cummins’ effectiveness, highlighting that despite his struggles in ODIs leading up to the World Cup, he observed a notable shift in the all-rounder’s approach. In the tournament’s last 4-5 matches, the right-arm spinner underscored that almost 50 percent of Cummins’ deliveries were cutters, showcasing a tactical adaptation that contributed to his side’s success in the final.

“Australia were tactically outstanding in the final. I was shell-shocked to see their tactics during the final. Cummins was struggling in ODIs leading upto the World Cup, but the last 4-5 matches of the World Cup, almost 50 percent of his balls were cutters,” the 37-year-old added.

Also READ: Davi??d Warner? apologizes to Indian fans after Australia’s triumph in ODI World Cup 2023; gesture melts hearts of netizens

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The ODI World Cup 2023 has been an event filled with ups and downs for the Australian cricket team. After two consecutive losses, they made??? a resounding comeback with back-to-back wins, showcasing their dominance and calibre.

Amidst all the positivity surrounding the Australian camp, there’s more good news to light up the faces of players and supporters alike as Australia’s chief selector George Bailey recently declared their injured star batter Travis Head fit to make a return.

Travis Head’s injury and road to recovery

A prominent left-handed batter, Head had?? suffered a hand injury during the South Africa series ahead of the World Cup?? 2023. Despite the setback, he was included in the Australian squad with the hope of a mid-tournament recovery.

George Bailey gives a major fitness update about Travis Head

The man responsible for shaping the Australian team’s destiny, Bailey, has now provided an encouraging update on Head’s condition in a statement shared on cricket.com.au. He revealed that Head has successfully checked all the boxes on his path to recovery, with the bone in his hand healing. The news clearly indicated that Head will soon be making a comeback in the upcoming matches.

“It can be a six to eight-week injury. He’s ticked all the boxes in terms of the four-week scan, and the bone has healed, so that’s all going well, and he’s progressed really well through the week,” said Bailey.

Also READ: Harb??hajan Singh suggests two changes in Indian team ?ahead of their clash against New Zealand

Bailey confirms Head’s batting position

Bailey not only gave a fitness update but also confirmed Head’s batting position upon his return to the Australian side. The former Aussie cricketer declared that Head would maintain his place as a top-order batter. He emphasized that the whole point of including Head in the squad was to facilitate his return to the team, not to risk him by bringing him back too early.

“But clearly the whole point of having him (in the squad) and carrying him to this point is not to then risk it by bringing him back early. Clearly (Head) comes in at the top. He’s been fantastic there for us, and that’s where he’ll slot in,” explained the veteran batter.

Australia’s current opening pair

At present, Australia has David Warner and Mitchell Marsh as their opening batters. The d?uo recently displayed their brilliance by notching up remarkable centuries against Pakistan. Although the return of Head would mean Marsh coming out to bat at no. 3, it will surely add further strength to Australia’s batting lineup, making them an even more formidable force in the ongoing World Cup.

Also READ: Babar Azam describes w??hat went wrong for Pakistan after their defeat against Australia in Bengaluru

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