Australia has officially included Steve Smith in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad after Josh Hazlewood was ruled out with a calf strain, just days before their crucial group-stage match against Sri Lanka.
Hazlewood had been under close medical supervision since February 5, with hopes he might recover in time for the later stages. However, the team management decided against taking any risks. The ICC Event Technical Committee approved Smith as Hazlewood’s replacement on February 15, confirming the change ahead of the Sri Lanka fixture.
Smith’s return also comes after he was initially called up as cover when captain Mitchell Marsh missed the first two matches due to a groin injury. Marsh is now expected to be available for the upcoming game.
The 36-year-old last played a T20I in February 2024 against New Zealand. In 67 T20Is, he has scored 1,094 runs at an average of 24.86 and a strike rate of 125.45, with five half-centuries. His highest score remains 90 against England in 2015. Smith was also part of Australia’s title-winning squad in the 2021 T20 World Cup.
His selection is largely driven by red-hot form in the Big Bash League 2025-26, where he smashed 299 runs in six matches for Sydney Sixers at an average of 59.80 and a strike rate of 167.97. He struck one century and two fifties, including a 41-ball hundred in the Sydney Derby, the joint second-fastest in BBL history.
With Australia placed third in Group B after a shock defeat to Zimbabwe, Smith’s experience and stability could be vital as they aim to stay alive in the tournament.
