Star batsman Steve Smith has been added to Australia’s 2026 FIFA World Cup T20 squad ahead of their all-important clash against Sri Lanka. Smith replaced Josh Hazlewood, who was ruled out of the tournament with injury after failing to recover from a calf strain.
The team medical staff kept a close eye on his rehabilitation and hoped he could regain fitness to feature in the later stages of the competition. However, these efforts proved unsuccessful, forcing the team’s management to look for a replacement.
Meanwhile, Smith’s inclusion comes at a crucial time for Australia as he adds considerable experience and depth to their struggling batting line-up. The return of Smith, a senior figure in the squad, is expected to boost the team when they take on Sri Lanka in a crucial match after losing their last match against Zimbabwe.
“The 2026 ICC Men’s World Cup T20 Technical Committee has approved Steve Smith as a replacement for Josh Hazlewood in Australia’s squad. Smith is named as a replacement for Hazlewood, who is now officially ruled out of the tournament due to a calf injury,” the ICC said in a press release.
Earlier, Steve Smith was added to the Australian team as cover after captain Mitchell Marsh was injured. Marsh missed Australia’s first two matches of the tournament with a groin injury but is expected to feature in the upcoming match against Sri Lanka.
What is Smith’s recent form in T20Is?
Smith was rewarded for his outstanding performances in the 2025–26 Big Bash League season, during which he scored 299 runs in six matches for the Sydney Sixers at an average of 59.80 and a strike rate of 167.97, including one century and two half-centuries.
During his lavish campaign, he also hit the second fastest century in BBL history. Smith represented the Sixers in the Sydney Derby against the Sydney Thunder at the Sydney Cricket Ground and reached his hundred in just 41 balls, equaling the efforts of Josh Brown and Glenn Maxwell on the all-time list.
Smith last appeared in a T20I in February 2024 against the New Zealand national cricket team at Eden Park. The right-hander has played 67 T20Is for Australia, scoring 1,094 runs at an average of 24.86 and a strike rate of 125.45. Although not traditionally known for power hitting in the shortest format, he scored five half-centuries with a top score of 90 against the England cricket team in Cardiff in 2015.
Smith was also part of Australia’s triumphant campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021. However, his options in T20Is have been limited in recent years as selectors have favored more explosive options. With Australia currently struggling with multiple injuries, Smith’s T20I career has been revived as he is set to return to the national team after almost two years away from the format.
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Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
February 16, 2026