Injury-hit Australia could turn to veteran Steve Smith as they look to revive their faltering campaign in a must-win T20 World Cup Group B clash against Sri Lanka on Monday.
The former champions are in danger of an early exit after a shock 23-run defeat to Zimbabwe left their qualification hopes hanging in the balance. Australia now need wins in their remaining group matches against Oman and Sri Lanka, to reach the Super Eights without depending on other results.
Currently third in the standings with two points from two games, Australia’s campaign has been derailed by injuries and inconsistency. They were bowled out for 146 against Zimbabwe following a dramatic top-order collapse.
Regular captain Mitchell Marsh has missed two consecutive matches and remains sidelined with internal testicular bleeding. Smith has joined the squad as cover but is yet to be formally added to the 15-man roster. Australia, however, have a vacant slot available after Josh Hazlewood’s injury-enforced withdrawal, meaning Smith can be included without replacing anyone.
The 36-year-old’s experience, strong record against spin, and improved recent form in T20 cricket could provide much-needed stability to the batting line-up.
There was better news on the fitness front as Marcus Stoinis was declared fit after suffering a blow to his left hand in the previous game.
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Australia are also coping with the absence of their famed pace trio — Mitchell Starc (retired), Pat Cummins (injured), and Hazlewood. While Nathan Ellis has impressed, Ben Dwarshuis and Xavier Bartlett have struggled for control in limited opportunities.
Yet Australia has been in similar situations before. During the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, they recovered from early setbacks, including a defeat to Sri Lanka, to win nine consecutive matches and lift the trophy.
“We’ve been there before,” stand-in captain Travis Head said after the Zimbabwe loss. “We saw it in 2023, a few defeats, a few injuries. Some of us were part of that squad. We’ll lean on that experience and try to follow the same blueprint.”
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, sits atop Group B after comfortable victories over Oman and Ireland. However, they too have suffered a setback with star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury.
In his absence, Sri Lanka will depend on Maheesh Theekshana and left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage to make full use of home conditions.
The match starts at 7 pm IST.
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