Australia have officially added Steven Smith to their T20 World Cup 2026 squad, replacing Josh Hazlewood and making him available for selection against Sri Lanka on Monday evening.
Smith was flown to Sri Lanka after Mitchell Marsh suffered testicular bleeding from a groin blow before opening match against Ireland, ensuring Smith could join the team in Pallekele.
The right-hander trained with the squad on Sunday ahead of the Sri Lanka clash, although selectors have not confirmed whether he will be included in the playing XI for the crucial match.
Marsh undertook an extensive net session and continues to show encouraging signs in his recovery, while Marcus Stoinis has been cleared of serious injury following a hand blow against Zimbabwe.
Following their upset to Zimbabwe last week, the 2021 champions must defeat Sri Lanka to maintain a realistic chance of progressing to the Super Eights stage of the ongoing marquee event.
Selector Tony Dodemaide explained that ICC regulations require squad changes to be submitted at least one day prior to a match, justifying the activation of experienced batter in case he is needed.
Star pacer Josh Hazlewood was ruled out before the tournament started due to an Achilles problem, which developed during his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained in the Ashes series.
It is worth noting that Smith last played T20 internationals in February 2024 but impressed in the recent Big Bash League, scoring 299 runs at 59.80 with a strike rate of 167.97 for Brisbane Heat.
Selectors had previously resisted calling him up immediately, opting instead for Matt Renshaw in the Australian squad with a defined middle-order role while leaving flexibility for future changes.
Overall, Smith has averaged 24.86 in T20 internationals with a strike rate of 125.45, but his franchise and league performances since then reflect an average of 49.73 and a strike rate of 156.19.
