Australia’s former captain Steve Smith will be travelling to Sri Lanka as a reserve, as Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of their Opener match in the T20 World Cup 2026 against Ireland due to injury.
Marsh sustained an injury to the groin during training earlier this week, and subsequent scans confirmed internal testicular bleeding, forcing him to miss the opening match against Ireland on February 11.
Cricket Australia provided a statement on his medical position in a statement. “He (Marsh) is experiencing ongoing pain and discomfort which is restricting his movement,” the board said. “His return to play will be guided by symptom resolution and medical advice.”
“Stand by player Steve Smith will travel to Sri Lanka as cover to acclimatise and prepare, should he be required,” the statement added.
Travis Head led the side in the absence of the Mitchell Marsh against Ireland with Matthew Renshaw named in the playing 11. Australia will play their group stage game Zimbabwe on Friday.
On the other hand, Steve Smith has been rewarded for his outstanding performances in the BBL 2025-26, where he scored 299 runs in six matches at an average of 59.80 and a strike rate of 167.79.
He also hit a century which is also the joint second fastest century in BBL history. Smashing the century against Syndey Thunder at Sydney, Steve Smith reached his hundred in 41 balls, matching Josh Brown and Glenn Maxwell on the all-time list.
Steve Smith played his last T20I in February 2024 against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland.
He has played 67 T20Is for Australia, scoring 1094 runs at an average of 24.86 and a strike rate of 125.45. Steve Smith was part of Australia’s triumphant 2021 T20 World Cup campaign.
However, his opportunities in T20Is have been limited in recent years as selector leaned toward more explosive options. Steve Smith is currently part of Sialkot Stallionz squad in the PSL 2026.
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