‘We probably deserve what we’ve got’: Australia face backlash after ‘shambolic’ T20 World Cup exit

Australia’s shock group-stage exit from the T20 World Cup has sparked widespread outrage, with critics tearing into their bowling depth and branding the campaign “shambolic,” while former spinner Brad Hogg delivered the most damning verdict: “We probably deserve what we’ve got at this stage.”

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The 2021 champions were eliminated in Sri Lanka on Tuesday after Zimbabwe sealed qualification when their match against Ireland was washed out, leaving Australia stranded and unable to catch up in the points table.




The abrupt exit marks a stunning collapse for one of the tournament heavyweights, undone by injuries, questionable selections and a dramatic dip in performances. The absence of pace trio Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and retired T20 spearhead Mitchell Starc left the attack badly exposed. The Australian said the bowling unit was a “shadow of former glories,” adding that players central to previous success “have fallen off a cliff when the stakes are at their highest.”

Australia’s campaign spiralled further amid fierce criticism of selection decisions, particularly the handling of Steve Smith. Despite strong form, Smith was initially overlooked and only added later as cover. “We still haven't had a compelling answer as to why he wasn't yet in Colombo,” the newspaper wrote, questioning why a proven performer against spin was missing during the crucial defeat to Zimbabwe and later left out again as the middle order collapsed against Sri Lanka.


Hogg said the problems exposed deeper structural concerns. “We don't have that bowling depth, and that's really shown,” he told Talksport, warning that selectors must urgently rethink the future. “They've got to look at their depth of bowling… what's our next generation going to look like?”

Adding to the humiliation, British broadcaster Piers Morgan mocked Australia’s exit, posting sarcastic condolences online.


Get the latest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 updates, including the full schedule, teams, live scores, points table, and key series stats such as top run-scorers and wicket-takers.