T20 World Cup: Australia add Steve Smith to their squad before crucial Sri Lanka match

Batter Steve Smith has been added to Australia’s T20 World Cup squad ahead of the crucial match against Sri Lanka in Pallekele on Monday.

Smith, 36, traveled to Sri Lanka as a bodyguard after captain Mitchell Marsh was hit in the groin area and suffered “testicular bleeding” last week.

Smith has not been officially added to the squad, with the management waiting to see how the situation develops but he now comes in as a replacement for bowler Josh Hazlewood.

Hazlewood was eliminated on the eve of the tournament and was not replaced.

Selectman Tony Dodemaide said: “Having Steve here made sense, along with some of the uncertainty around Mitch and Marcus Stoinis, for him to be activated and available for selection in time for the game if necessary.”

Smith hasn’t played a T20 for Australia since February 2024 but scored a century and two fifties in six matches in the Big Bash following the Ashes in January, leading some to suggest he should be in the Australia squad regardless.

Australia’s batsmen have struggled so far in the tournament, losing their place in the Super 8s after being bowled out for 146 in a 23-run defeat against Zimbabwe.

They beat Ireland by 67 points in their opening match but also lost 3-0 to Pakistan before the World Cup.

Australia will be eliminated from the World Cup if they lose to Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe beat Ireland on Tuesday.

They may need to win their remaining matches and also rely on their net run rate.