Axar Patel press conference: “We see them as a team, we don’t see a rivalry” after India beat Pakistan
Responding to an SOS last week, Smith flew to Sri Lanka after captain and regular opener Mitchell Marsh was hit by a toss while batting in Colombo.With Marsh – who missed Australia’s first two matches – still a doubt for Monday’s encounter in Kandy due to bleeding from his testicle, Smith is set to open the innings.“ICC regulations state that any change to the squad must be submitted and activated at least one day before the match,” Australian selector Tony Dodemaide said.“With Steve here, along with some uncertainty around Mitch and Marcus Stoinis, it made sense that he is activated and available for selection in time for the game if needed.”On form, Smith remains one of Australia’s most experienced performers and a strong spin player.He was controversially left out of the original T20 World Cup squad despite his explosive run in the Big Bash League as an opener.“Obviously Smitty is here so if he gets his chance he will be ready to go. He is the ultimate professional,” Australian all-rounder Stoinis told reporters in Kandy late on Sunday.Australia no longer have injured frontline pacers Pat Cummins and Hazlewood.Power forward Tim David has only recently returned from a hamstring tear suffered in December, while Stoinis injured his hand starting in the field during the shock loss to Zimbabwe – a result that pushed Australia to the brink of elimination.If Australia go down in Group B with Sri Lanka, it would be their second defeat. A Zimbabwe win over Ireland on Tuesday or Sri Lanka on Thursday would then eliminate the 2021 champions.However, Stoinis indicated that he expects to be fit for the decider.“The arm is pretty good,” Stoinis said.“I’ve had a scan and there’s no break or anything so it’s just a bit battered and bruised, a lot better than I thought to be honest.”