Steve Smith replaces Josh Hazlewood in Australia squad ahead of Sri Lanka clash

Steve Smith has been named as a replacement for injured Josh Hazlewood in the Australia squad for the T20 World Cup 2026. His inclusion will strengthen Australia's batting as they prepare to face Sri Lanka in a crucial fixture.

Star batter Steve Smith has been added to the Australian squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 ahead of their all-important clash against Sri Lanka. Smith has replaced Josh Hazlewood who has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury after failing to recover from a calf strain.

The team’s medical staff had been monitoring his rehabilitation closely and were hopeful he might regain fitness in time to feature in the latter stages of the competition. However, those efforts proved unsuccessful, forcing team management to seek a replacement.

Meanwhile, Smith’s inclusion comes at a crucial time for Australia as he adds significant experience and depth to their struggling batting lineup. A senior figure in the squad, Smith’s return is expected to bolster the team as they take on Sri Lanka in a crucial fixture after losing their last game against Zimbabwe.

“The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has approved Steve Smith as a replacement for Josh Hazlewood in the Australia squad. Smith is named as a replacement for Hazlewood, who is now officially ruled out from participating in the tournament due to a calf injury,” informed ICC in a media release.

Earlier, Steve Smith was added to the Australian squad as cover following an injury to captain Mitchell Marsh. Marsh missed Australia’s first two matches of the tournament because of a groin injury but is expected to feature in the upcoming fixture against Sri Lanka.

Smith has been rewarded for his outstanding performances in the Big Bash League 2025–26 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.