Healy: Get Smith on the plane to the T20 World Cup

Ian Healy has joined a growing chorus of names who want to see Australia call up Steve Smith for next month’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Smith was left out of Australia’s provisional 15-man squad for the tournament, but hasn’t done his chances any harm of a recall should injury occur to one of the batters after a stellar Big Bash where he averaged 59.8 at a strike rate of 168 for the Sixers in BBL|15.

Healy initially thought Smith was left out purely because he’d chosen not to go, but with reports now suggesting that the Test No. 4 is keen on a late call-up, the former keeper says he’d have him on the next plane to the sub-continent if he were Cricket Australia.

“He's on a hot one. Why did he get left out of the T20 squad for a start to go to the World Cup?” Healy asked on SENQ Breakfast.

“It’s only really a week away, and they’re playing in Pakistan (for a three-match series) later this week. 

“Why wasn’t he picked in the squad? I initially just assumed he made himself unavailable for international T20 cricket like Starc.

“He certainly can force his way into my squad if he wants to. I'd have him on the plane if he's ready to go.”

Another who thinks Smith should join the Aussie squad is Sixers coach Greg Shipperd, who stated that the right-hander is the “best batter” in the BBL at the moment, adding that he’s sure Smith would like the opportunity if offered to him.

With the likes of Mitch Marsh, Travis Head, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis already in the Aussie squad, Healy thinks that Smith’s guile and finesse could perfectly complement the side’s batting order.

“Australia's World Cup side has gone power, power and more power,” Healy said.

“Mitch Marsh is leading this power-packed mob, so maybe they just didn't find room for the finesse of Smith. 

“In the old T20 side, if Smith got himself out in the top order, there wasn't the power and skill behind him, so he was under a bit of pressure. 

“Now if they put him in amongst all that power, whoa, look out.”

Australia’s first game of the 2026 T20 World Cup comes against Ireland on February 11 in Colombo.