Steve Smith has been brought into Australia’s squad at the T20 World Cup to replace pacer Josh Hazlewood.
Australia have finally made a call on Josh Hazlewood’s replacement at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with news that veteran batter Steve Smith has been parachuted into their 15-player squad with immediate effect.
>>Photos – Australia Practice Session Ahead of Sri Lanka – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026<<
Hazlewood was ruled out of the tournament at the start of the month, but the Aussies had delayed naming any replacement for the experienced right-armer until the eve of their penultimate group clash against Sri Lanka in Kandy.
The ICC Event Technical Committee have approved Smith’s inclusion for Hazlewood in Australia’s 15-player squad for the remainder of the tournament, meaning the veteran right-hander could feature as early against Sri Lanka on Monday.
“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.”
Smith hasn’t played a T20I for Australia in almost two years, with his most recent appearance in the shortest format coming against New Zealand in Auckland in February 2024.
But the 36-year-old looked in great touch during Australia’s recent domestic Big Bash tournament and is set to feature in matches against Sri Lanka and Oman during the group stage.
Australia suffered a shock loss to Zimbabwe on Friday and will likely need to win both their remaining matches during the group stage to progress to the Super Eights phase.
Australia: 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
