The Australia national cricket team has officially included experienced batsman Steve Smith in its 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2026. Smith was earlier kept with the team as a reserve player, but now he has been given a place in the main team in place of injured fast bowler Josh Hazlewood. This decision was taken just before the important match against Sri Lanka, so that the team could be strengthened.
When was Smith added to the team?
Smith was recently added to the team during the Sri Lanka tour, when captain Mitchell Marsh was injured. Although at that time he was kept only as a backup option. But due to Hazlewood’s injury and uncertainty over the fitness of other players in the team, the selection committee decided to include Smith in the final 15.
Australia selector Tony Dodemide’s reaction
Cricket Australia selector Tony Dodemide, reacting to this decision, said that the team management was constantly monitoring the fitness of the players. He said that the status of Marsh and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis was not completely clear, so including Smith in the active team was a balanced and practical decision. He also said that as per the rules of the International Cricket Council, it is necessary to give timely information about any change and the team has followed all the procedures.
Smith had performed brilliantly in the recently concluded Big Bash League, which gave a stronger basis to his selection. He scored a total of 299 runs in six matches at a strike rate of more than 150, which increased the selectors’ confidence in his form and experience.
Captain Mitchell Marsh took part in fielding practice before the match against Sri Lanka, which has increased the hopes of his return. Whereas Stoinis was earlier declared fit, but he felt some discomfort during the practice session, due to which there is some concern about his availability.
Who is in the Australian team?
The Australian team includes experienced players like Marsh (captain), Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Adam Zampa and Steve Smith. The team management hopes that with the experience and balanced combination of these players, Australia will perform strongly in the tournament. Smith’s return is likely to provide additional strength and stability to the team’s batting order.
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