Steve Smith joins Australia for T20 World Cup 2026; replaces THIS player in squad ahead of AUS vs SL
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Steve Smith was recently called as a cover for Mitchell Marsh after the captain suffered a groin injury ahead of Ireland clash in T20 World Cup 2026.
The Australian Cricket Team have clearly looked far from their best in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. They have played two games and have lost one, which came against Zimbabwe in their last fixture in Colombo.
The injuries to the key players haven’t helped them either and now they are in a spot of bother. Their qualification for the Super 8 stage is difficult and a lot would be reliant on how they play against Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Monday, February 16.
With the AUS vs SL clash around the corner, Australia made a massive change to their squad. Premier batter Steve Smith has officially joined the squad after being recently called up as a cover for captain Mitchell Marsh.
Mitchell Marsh suffered a groin injury ahead of Australia’s game against Ireland and the missed Zimbabwe clash as well. With the threat of him getting ruled out of the tournament, the management sent in Smith to Sri Lanka to join the squad.
Steve Smith replaces Josh Hazlewood in the Australia squad for the T20 World Cup 2026
Steve Smith has officially joined the squad, but has replaced Josh Hazlewood. The fast bowler, who was expected to be fit for the later stages of the tournament, has been ruled out of the tournament due to a calf injury.
Approving Smith as a replacement, the ICC stated:
“Smith is named as a replacement for Hazlewood, who is now officially ruled out from participating in the tournament due to a calf injury. The team’s medical staff had hoped to have him fit in time to feature in the latter parts of the tournament but were unsuccessful.”
Steve Smith joins the Australian squad on the back of his solid performances in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26. He played a massive role in Sydney Sixers reaching the final, where they lost to Perth Scorchers.
Smith scored 299 runs in 6 innings at a strike rate of around 168. His average of 59.8 was amongst the highest in the season as he also hit two half-centuries and one century.
Has Steve Smith joined Australia for T20 World Cup 2026?
Yes, Steve Smith has been added to Australia squad for T20 World Cup 2026.
Who did Steve Smith replace in Australia squad for T20 World Cup 2026?
Steve Smith replaced Josh Hazlewood in Australia squad for T20 World Cup 2026.
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Ankitjit Singh is a dedicated sports journalist whose childhood dream was to play cricket—now, he serves the game through his work. With over three years of experience in reporting, writing, and editing, he brings deep insight to his coverage. A journalism graduate from Delhi University, Ankitjit’s passion for cricket took root during his college days and continues to drive his career.