• Selectors under fire after Steve Smith unused against Sri Lanka

• Fate now rests with Ireland and Sri Lanka beating Zimbabwe

Australia’s aura as a white-ball heavyweight has all but petered out in the space of two disastrous defeats at the T20 World Cup where the absence of their champion fast bowlers has been ruthlessly exposed.

Following an abject 23-run defeat to world No 11 Zimbabwe, Australia crashed to an eight-wicket loss to co-hosts Sri Lanka in Kandy on Monday to be pushed to the brink of a humiliating exit.