Updated On: 16 February, 2026 03:36 PM IST | Dubai | IANS
Veteran batter Steve Smith has been officially added to Australia’s squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 as a replacement for injured pacer Josh Hazlewood. The approval was granted by the ICC Event Technical Committee ahead of Australia’s crucial Group B match against Sri Lanka national cricket team at the Pallekele Stadium

Steve Smith took pacer Josh Hazlewood`s spot in the squad. File Pic
Veteran batter Steve Smith has been officially added to Australia's T20 World Cup squad ahead of a must-win encounter against Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on Monday evening.
Smith took pacer Josh Hazlewood's spot in the squad, as the Aussies had delayed naming any replacement for the experienced right-armer, who was ruled out of the tournament earlier this month due to a calf injury.
The 36-year-old batter hasn't played a T20I for Australia in almost two years. His most recent appearance in the shortest format coming against New Zealand in Auckland in February 2024.