ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Steve Smith as a replacement for Josh Hazlewood in Australia’s squad approved by Event Technical Committee.
Steve Smith comes into the squad after Hazlewood was ruled out earlier this month while recovering from an Achilles injury.
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The 36-year-old Steve Smith included the World Cup squad after the pacer ruled out earlier this month and Australia had not immediately named a replacement at the time.
The right-handed batter trained with Australia in Kandy on Sunday evening following his recent arrival in Sri Lanka. He was brought into the squad as cover for opener Mitch Marsh, who missed the opening two matches because of a testicular injury.
Marsh was back in training on Sunday and showed good mobility during running and fielding drills, as he looks set for a possible return against tournament co-host Sri Lanka at Pallekele Stadium tonight.
Australia currently sits third in Group B following its defeat to Zimbabwe with victories in its remaining group matches offering the strongest chance of qualifying for the Super Eight stage.
Also Read – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Past Champions List
According to ICC tournament regulations any team squad changes must be get approved by the Event Technical Committee before a match. For this approval now granted to Smith has officially been included in the 15-member squad and will be available if Marsh experiences any discomfort.
Smith enters in this tournament with excellent form after an impressive Big Bash League campaign with the Sydney Sixers. He scored totally 299 runs in six matches at a remarkable strike rate of nearly 170, including his fourth BBL century in the past four seasons.
Probable Team squad of Australia vs Sri Lanka:
Australia Probable XI:
Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Tim David, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Matt Kuhnemann
Sri Lanka Probable XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara/Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana
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