T20 World Cup: Steve Smith added to Australia squad before Sri Lanka game

Batter Steve Smith has been added to Australia’s T20 World Cup squad in time for this evening’s crucial match against Sri Lanka in Pallekele.

Smith, 36, travelled to Sri Lanka as cover after captain Mitchell Marsh was hit in the groin area last week and suffered “testicular bleeding”.

Smith was not officially added to the squad, with the management waiting to see how the situation developed, but now comes in as a replacement for bowler Josh Hazlewood.

Hazlewood was ruled out on the eve of the tournament and not replaced.

Selector Tony Dodemaide said: “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.”

Smith has not played a T20 for Australia since February 2024 but scored a century and two fifties in six matches in the Big Bash after the Ashes in January, leading some to suggest he should have been in Australia’s squad regardless.

Australia’s batters have struggled in the tournament so far, bowled out for 146 all out in a 23-run defeat by Zimbabwe to leave their place in the Super 8s.

They beat Ireland by 67 runs in their opening match but also lost 3-0 in Pakistan prior to the World Cup.

Australia will be eliminated from the World Cup if they lose to Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe beat Ireland on Tuesday.

They may need to win both their remaining games and rely on net run-rate.

Source: BBC

- Agencies