Steve Smith Joins Australia's T20 World Cup Squad

Smith gets late call-up for Australia's T20 World Cup

Veteran batter Steve Smith replaces injured Josh Hazlewood in Australia's T20 World Cup team.

“Regulations stipulate any squad change must be submitted and activated at least one day prior to a match...” 

Steve Smith has officially joined Australia's T20 World Cup squad, replacing injured pacer Josh Hazlewood. Smith was brought in as cover for opener Mitchell Marsh, who suffered a testicular injury during training in Colombo, missing the first two matches.

Smith's inclusion comes after Hazlewood was ruled out of the tournament due to a calf injury, and he's expected to add experience and depth to Australia's batting lineup. He arrives in Sri Lanka with impressive form, having scored 299 runs in six matches in the Big Bash League.

Australia needs a win against Sri Lanka to stay in contention for the Super 8 stage.

Smith joined the squad's training session in Kandy on Sunday, getting ready for Monday's match against Sri Lanka. Selector Tony Dodemaide cited fitness concerns for Marsh and Marcus Stoinis as reasons for Smith's inclusion.

“Regulations stipulate any squad change must be submitted and activated at least one day prior to a match,” he said ‌in a statement.

“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.”

OFFICIAL: Steve Smith is now part of Australia's #T20WorldCup squad pic.twitter.com/bRWNBQ3vSg

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) February 16, 2026

Veteran Steve Smith was initially left out of Australia's T20 World Cup squad despite his strong Big Bash League form. But with Hazlewood's withdrawal due to injury, Smith finally got the call.

Hazlewood's Achilles and hamstring issues didn't heal in time, and selectors took their time naming a replacement.