Australia replace Josh Hazlewood with Steve Smith for must-win T20 World Cup clash, selector reveals Mitchell Marsh & Marcus Stoinis injured

Australia's veteran batter Steve Smith has been finally included in their T20 World Cup 2026 squad as replacement for an injured Josh Hazlewood. Smith will be available for selection for the must-win clash against co-hosts Sri Lanka on February 16 at Palleke International Cricket Stadium.

Earlier, Smith was called in as cover for skipper Mitchell Marsh who suffered a groin injury while batting in the nets before their campaign opener against Ireland on February 11.

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The change in the squad was approved by ICC Event Technical Committee. Smith is expected to feature in the clash against Sri Lanka which will decide Australia’s fate in the tournament. Meanwhile, Marcus Stoinis is doubtful for the game as well after a hand injury in the game against Zimbabwe.

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“ICC regulations stipulate any squad change must be submitted and activated at least one day prior to a match," Australia selector Tony Dodemaide said.

“With Steve here, along with some uncertainty around Mitch and Marcus Stoinis, it made sense he (Smith) is activated and available for selection in time for the match, if required.”

Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad -

Mitchell Marsh (injured), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Travis Head (stand-in captain), Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

When was Smith’s last T20I appearance?

Smith has made his intentions clear. He wants to represent Australia at the Los Angeles Olympics 2028. Smith has had performances to back it up as well in the Big Bash League (BBL) for Sydney Sixers. His last T20I appearance was nearly two years ago against New Zealand in Auckland where he registered a single-digit score.

In BBL 2025-26, he played a key role in helping Moises Henriques' Sixers qualifying for the final. He was Sixers' top run-scorer with 299 runs from six innings at an average of 59.80 and strike rate of 167.97. He scored a century and two fifties in the season after the completion of Ashes 2025-26.