T20 World Cup: Steve Smith added to Australia squad ahead of must-win Sri Lanka clash

Kandy, Sri Lanka – Australia have formally drafted Steve Smith into their T20 World Cup squad less than 24 hours before a do-or-die meeting with Sri Lanka, filling the vacancy created when Josh Hazlewood withdrew on the eve of the tournament.

Smith, who flew in last week after captain Mitchell Marsh was struck by a throw-down in Colombo, received International Cricket Council clearance on Sunday and was immediately activated as the 15th member of the group. Selector Tony Dodemaide said the move was made with “uncertainty around Mitch and Marcus Stoinis” and ensures Australia can field a fully-fit XI against the hosts on Monday.

The timing is critical. A loss at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium would leave the 2021 champions on the brink of elimination; Zimbabwe can knock Australia out with victory over either Ireland on Tuesday or Sri Lanka on Thursday.

Smith’s inclusion is poised to reshape the top order. Marsh, who has missed Australia’s opening two matches with bleeding from a testicle, remains doubtful, raising the prospect of Smith opening the innings in his first T20 World Cup appearance of the campaign. The 34-year-old finished the recent Big Bash League in blistering touch and is regarded among the squad’s most assured players of spin on the slow, turning surfaces here.

“Smitty’s obviously here, so if he gets his chance, he’ll be ready to go. He’s the ultimate professional,” all-rounder Marcus Stoinis said in Kandy on Sunday night.

Australia’s injury ledger is already lengthy. Pat Cummins and Hazlewood were ruled out before the first ball was bowled, while Tim David is only just back from a hamstring tear sustained in December. Stoinis, who jarred his hand while fielding during the shock defeat to Zimbabwe, expects to be available after scans cleared him of a break.

“The hand’s pretty good,” Stoinis said. “There’s no break there or anything like that, so it’s just a bit battered and bruised, much better than I thought, to be honest.”

With net run-rate potentially decisive in a tightly packed Group B, Australia can ill-afford another slip. Monday’s encounter is effectively a knockout, and Smith’s calm head under pressure could prove the difference between an early flight home and a path to the semi-finals.