Smith set to left out of WC opener against NZ
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Steve Smith is expected to be left out of Australia's selection for Saturday's T20 World Cup match against New Zealand in Sydney.
The 33-year-old was a member of last year's World Cup-winning team but has shown versatility in being deployed in a variety of situations and has not been alone in battling for runs in recent T20 internationals in India and at home.
When asked if Smith would play in the forthcoming Super 12 match at the SCG, Australia's chairman of selectors George Bailey gave a strong hint about Smith's position.
"I think all the members of our 15 have a role to play but I don't think that will be starting in the XI for Steve. I think that should we need a role from him at some stage, then absolutely." Bailey said.
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Smith's likely absence from the starting side will pave the way for Tim David to fill the No.6 role.
David Warner missed the third T20 international against England due to a neck strain, and he did not play against India in a low-key warm-up game on Monday.
Bailey said Warner was "fine" to play against New Zealand and was always set to sit out the India clash.
