Maxwell, Stoinis, Smith dropped? No, Australia's T20I youth trial
Australia selector George Bailey says omitting Maxwell, Stoinis and Smith isn't a permanent axe — it's deliberate squad rotation ahead of 2028 tournaments.
Social media erupted when Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Steven Smith didn't make Australia's Bangladesh tour squad, with drop talk spreading fast. Selector George Bailey shut that down: the three remain in contention, and the omissions are part of a planned youth trial for 2028 events.
Bailey wants to test depth. Aaron Hardie and Joel Davies get their chances on the Pakistan and Bangladesh white-ball tours, while the veteran trio—all with strong overall records—stay in the picture for later. It's workload management mixed with squad evolution, especially after Australia's disappointing T20 World Cup run. No formal drops. The panel's thinking four years ahead.
Meanwhile, Maxwell's playing for PSL side Rawalpindi Express this season, Stoinis is with IPL Punjab Kings, and Smith splits his time across PSL franchises including Multan Sultans.
Filed under Glenn MaxwellGlenn MaxwellMarcus StoinisSteven SmithGeorge Bailey
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- DevelopingMay 11, 2026 · CricHubb Desk