Kandy, Feb 16 (.) Steve Smith has been added to the Australia national cricket team’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as a replacement for injured pacer Josh Hazlewood, with the ICC Event Technical Committee approving the change ahead of their crucial group clash against the Sri Lanka national cricket team.
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) website, Smith, who has not played a T20I since February 2024, was added to Australia’s 15-member squad with immediate effect and could feature as early as Monday’s match in Kandy.
Australia selector Tony Dodemaide said the decision was taken keeping squad balance in mind.
“ICC regulations stipulate any squad change must be submitted and activated at least one day prior to a match. With Steve here, along with some uncertainty around Mitch and Marcus Stoinis, it made sense he is activated and available for selection in time for the match, if required,” Dodemaide said.
Hazlewood had been ruled out earlier this month, but Australia delayed naming a replacement until the final stages of the group phase.
Despite his absence from the T20I format for nearly two years, the 36-year-old Smith impressed during the recent Big Bash League and brings valuable experience to the squad.
Australia’s move comes at a critical juncture after their shock defeat to Zimbabwe, leaving them needing wins in their remaining group matches against Sri Lanka and Oman to keep their Super Eights hopes alive.
Australia 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.
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