Australia have made a significant mid-tournament change ahead of their must-win T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Sri Lanka, drafting in star batter Steve Smith to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood. Hazlewood has been officially ruled out after failing to recover from a persistent calf strain, dealing a blow to Australia’s bowling attack at a crucial stage of the competition.

Team medical staff had been closely monitoring Hazlewood’s rehabilitation and remained optimistic about his potential return for the latter stages. However, with recovery timelines not aligning with the tournament schedule, Australia were forced to seek an experienced replacement. The ICC’s Event Technical Committee approved Smith’s inclusion, confirming the change in an official statement.

Smith’s addition could prove pivotal. Australia are coming off a disappointing defeat to Zimbabwe and needs stability as well as firepower in their batting unit. While Smith is not traditionally viewed as a T20 dasher, his game awareness, adaptability and experience in high-pressure ICC events add immense value to a side battling inconsistency and injuries.

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Interestingly, Smith had already joined the squad earlier as cover for captain Mitchell Marsh, who missed the opening two matches due to a groin issue. Marsh is expected to return against Sri Lanka, meaning Australia regain both leadership and experience at a decisive moment in their campaign.

Steve Smith is back! ಇಂಜುರಿಯಿಂದ ಹೊರನಡೆದ Josh Hazlewood! 🇦🇺

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup 2026 👉 #SLvAUS | MON, 16th FEB, 6 PM pic.twitter.com/JkICex2gSx

— Star Sports Kannada (@StarSportsKan) February 16, 2026

Smith’s recall is backed by strong domestic form. In the 2025–26 Big Bash League season, he amassed 299 runs in six matches for the Sydney Sixers at a strike rate close to 168, including a century and two half-centuries. His standout knock came in the Sydney Derby against the Sydney Thunder at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where he smashed a 41-ball hundred — the joint second-fastest in BBL history.

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Smith last played a T20I in February 2024 against New Zealand at Eden Park. With 1,094 runs in 67 T20Is and experience from Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup triumph, his return offers tactical flexibility. At a time when Australia are juggling injuries and form concerns, Smith’s comeback could be the steadying influence their T20 World Cup campaign desperately needs.