Warner, Smith, Cummins skip Windies, Bangladesh tours

David Warner and Pat Cummins were among six top names to opt out of Australia’s white ball tours of the West Indies and Bangladesh on Wednesday, while Steve Smith will be missing injured.  Those who asked not to be considered have spent considerable time in bio-secure bubbles over the past few months, and it has taken its toll.  
Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Jhye Richardson and Kane Richardson also withdrew, leaving coach Justin Langer without many of his best players four months before the Twenty20 World Cup.  

Smith has an elbow injury, so the decision to leave him out was made on medical grounds.  National Selector Trevor Hohns said he was “naturally disappointed” but “respects the decisions of those who have opted out of this tour”.   

 “International tours in the time of Covid-19 undoubtedly present many additional challenges for athletes,” he added.   

 “They also present opportunities for others and, in this case, the chance to push for selection in the Australian men’s T20 World Cup squad later this year and beyond.” 

-AFP