Abhishek Sharma in hospital – Latest on his recovery and Indian networks
Veteran Steve Smith, who has not featured in a T20 international team since February last year but has been in good form in the format, will join the squad in Sri Lanka as precautionary cover. In BBL 2026, Smith played six innings, scoring 299 runs at an average of 59.8 and a strike rate of 167.98, with a top score of 100. Smith will acclimate himself with the team and be ready to step in when needed. The development is a big blow for Australia as Marsh’s leadership and all-round ability are missing at the start of the tournament. In the Ireland game, Australia won the toss and elected to bat. Teams: Ireland (Playing XI): Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (f), Curtis Campher, Benjamin Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys Australia (Playing XI): Travis Head(c), Josh Inglis(w), Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa