Shane Warne takes a U-turn, wants ‘Mr Fix-it’ Steve Smith in the playing XI against Pakistan

Taking a U-turn, former Australia leg spinner Shane Warne feels Steve Smith should be in the playing XI for the semifinals against Pakistan. Notably, Warne had earlier questioned Smith's selection in the team for the showpiece event. Later, the former Australia leg spinner also came down hard at the management for playing Smith in place of Mitchell Marsh.  Australia dropped Marsh from the playing XI against England to accommodate off-spinner Ashton Agar. The move backfired as Australia were shot out for just 125.

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Now, Warne feels ‘Mr. Fix-it’ Smith should keep his spot for the high-octane semi-final match against Pakistan, which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday (November 11).

“Now that the Aussies have their batting order right and (are) finding form, they can win the World Cup,” Warne tweeted on Tuesday.

“I wouldn’t have had Smith in my starting X1. But his role as Mr. Fix-it is spot on.”

Now that the Aussies have their batting order right & finding form. They can win the WC. I wouldn’t have had Smith in my starting X1. But his role as Mr fix it is spot on ✅. Lose early wkts he goes in & if they don’t he slides down & the beasts (Marsh, Stoinis, Maxwell) go in 👏🏻

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) November 9, 2021

Australia have a slew of power-hitters lower down the order. The likes Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh can give the ball a real whack. Warne feels if Australia stutters a bit early, then Smith can go in ahead and if the team manages to have a good start up front, then Smith can be demoted down the order.

“Lose early wickets he goes in and if they don’t he slides down and the beasts (Marsh, Stoinis, Maxwell) go in.”