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Steve Smith Replaces Injured Hazlewood in Australia's T20 World Cup Squad

Veteran batter Steve Smith has been added to Australia's 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup, replacing the injured seamer Josh Hazlewood. The ICC Event Technical Committee approved the change, making Smith eligible for Australia's crucial match against Sri Lanka. Selector Tony Dodemaide explained the move was prudent given availability concerns around other players. Australia, after a surprise loss to Zimbabwe, likely needs victories in its final two group matches to progress to the Super Eights stage.

Key Points: Steve Smith Joins Australia T20 World Cup Squad

  • Smith replaces injured Hazlewood
  • ICC approves last-minute squad change
  • Smith last played T20I in Feb 2024
  • Australia needs wins to advance
  • Squad boosted for Sri Lanka match
2 min read

T20 World Cup: Steve Smith replaces Josh Hazlewood in Australia squad

Veteran batter Steve Smith replaces Josh Hazlewood in Australia's T20 World Cup squad after ICC approval, eligible for match vs Sri Lanka.

T20 World Cup: Steve Smith replaces Josh Hazlewood in Australia squad
"With Steve available, and some uncertainty around Mitch and Marcus Stoinis, it made sense for him to be activated. - Tony Dodemaide"

Colombo, February 16

Australia's veteran batter Steve Smith has been added to the 15-member squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 before the match against Sri Lanka, scheduled at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Monday.

The 36-year-old batter is set to feature in Monday's match against Sri Lanka after replacing the seamer Josh Hazlewood in the squad, who was ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury.

Australia's squad has been boosted with the inclusion of Smith, following Josh Hazlewood's withdrawal earlier this month. The Aussies had held off naming a replacement for the experienced right-arm bowler until just before their penultimate group game against Sri Lanka in Kandy, according to the ICC.

The ICC Event Technical Committee has approved Smith's addition to Australia's 15-player squad, making him eligible to play as early as Monday against Sri Lanka. "ICC regulations require any squad change to be submitted and activated at least one day before a match," explained Australia selector Tony Dodemaide.

"With Steve available, and some uncertainty around Mitch and Marcus Stoinis, it made sense for him to be activated and ready for selection if needed."

Smith has not featured in a T20I for Australia since February 2024, when he last played against New Zealand in Auckland. However, he impressed in the recent Big Bash League and is expected to play the remaining group-stage matches against Sri Lanka and Oman.

After a surprising defeat to Zimbabwe on Friday, Australia will likely need victories in both remaining group matches to advance to the Super Eights.

Australia Updated Squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
Interesting to see Smith back in T20s. He's a class player, but is he the right fit for the fast-paced T20 format at this stage? Australia seems to be banking on his big-match temperament. Losing Hazlewood is a bigger blow for their bowling though.
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Aman W
As an Indian fan, I'm not complaining! Smith replacing a frontline bowler weakens their attack. Our batsmen would rather face Smith's spin than Hazlewood's accurate seamers any day. Good for us if we meet them later! 😄
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Sarah B
The timing is so last-minute! Waiting until the penultimate game to name a replacement shows they were really unsure. Must be stressful for the team management. Hope Smith can just slot in and perform.
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Vikram M
Respect for Smith's dedication. At 36, coming back into the shortest format after a long gap isn't easy. His BBL form must be really good. This World Cup is full of surprises – Zimbabwe beating Australia! Anything can happen.
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Karan T
Honestly, the balance of the squad looks a bit batting-heavy now. They've lost a key bowler and added a batter. Stoinis and Marsh have injury clouds too. Their path to the Super Eights just got tougher. Sri Lanka won't be an easy game in Colombo.

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