Steve Smith replaces Josh Hazlewood in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad as the defending champions sit precariously in third place in Group B following a shocking defeat to Zimbabwe that has thrown their tournament campaign into disarray.
The 36-year-old Smith’s inclusion comes at a critical juncture for Australia, who are reeling from one of the tournament’s biggest upsets – a loss to Zimbabwe that has left their Super 8 qualification hopes hanging by a thread. Currently third in Group B with just one win against Ireland, the team needs strong performances in their remaining fixtures against Sri Lanka and Oman to secure progression.
Hazlewood’s calf injury has dealt a significant blow to Australia’s bowling attack, forcing selectors to look towards Smith’s resurgent form. Despite not featuring in T20Is since February 2024, Smith’s scintillating Big Bash League campaign – where he amassed 299 runs at a strike rate of 167.97, including a century – has earned him this recall.
Smith brings much-needed experience to a squad under pressure, though his T20 World Cup record remains modest with just one fifty in 14 innings. However, his recent form as an opener for Sydney Sixers suggests he’s adapted his game for modern T20 cricket.
With Mitchell Marsh also recovering from a groin injury sustained in training, Australia’s squad depth is being tested. The team faces Sri Lanka in Pallekele next, a virtual must-win encounter to keep their tournament hopes alive and avoid an early exit that would mark a stunning fall from grace for the former champions.
